Each of the women I admire have an inner core of strength and resourcefulness. These virtues keep each of us faithful to our authentic selves. In spite of hardships, loss and disappointments, most of the women friends I respect and admire pick themselves up and move on to reach their goals.

In our daily lives, there are times when we need to look into ourselves and choose what remains important to our health and wellness.

Throughout history, women have taken risks and sacrificed days and nights to give the women the right to vote and make advances in medicine, theater, science and government. During the past 10 years, the glass ceiling is slowly moving.

When I was a teacher, I had many instances when inappropriate remarks were directed to me. I was single, divorced and spent hours creating a classroom for my students. Yet during those years, I had to be silent about the injustices I saw and felt.

Now, I do not have to be silent anymore. As I grow older, I realize that each of us makes a big difference each day. Our words and actions matter. We need to care about one another and not be so competitive.

Our children and grandchildren will be grateful for the foundation we make so they too can keep growing and spreading their wings to reach their dream.

NAN TOBY TYRRELL

Port Townsend