'I am a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that's Me',
Maya Angelou

I take this opportunity to connect with my comrades the world over to celebrate the essence of womanhood, and also of being a Manipuri Woman. The 8th of March is celebrated as the International Women's day, a day everyone should contemplate, reminisce and celebrate, in paving a humanitarian road towards a happier world.

This day is earmarked as a national holiday in many countries. Many of us might be in the office or away from our comfort zone to call it a day off. However, there are zillions of ways in which we can be in touch, if not with pals but surely with the girl inside us.

We have come a long way- from struggle for liberty, equality, freedom and justice, to creation and sustenance of peace in our society.

The road is long, the struggle continues and we are not tired yet. Our daily existence is marked by oppression. And the marking on the calendar to designate this day, the 8th of March, as the Women's Day has made the message all the more loud, and makes one think about the struggle and sacrifice women has made through the ages.

Sisters, look around, is there a Men's Day at all? So we continue to be the 'minority', which needs special mention! However, on the lighter side, lets take this day as the time to rejoice and give due credits to the ones who deserve it the most.

Today, for a day, let us forget the centuries old struggle of women to participate in a society on an equal footing and take some time out to look into our vicinity, our surroundings. Each one of us deserves it.

A day to speak, to express, touch and connect. Write or call at least one girl friend and let her know how beautiful and feminine she is, and she always has been.

Give a warm hug to someone, a friend, and a relative and make them feel that you are some one they can rely upon. Or if not be the girl you want to be.

I wonder how many of us have indeed taken time out the last few days all for ourselves- to be the little girl we always had been. A little bit of self -indulgence is what I mean.

There are loads of little things that make a girl feel good about herself. Lets give a try to some of these.

• Smile as you arise from bed. It is enough to lift your spirits and make you feel like a million bucks
• Begin the day with a new hair-cut
• Sing aloud in the bathroom. Sing for yourself. Don't worry about the pesky neighbor/landlady
• Get a new pair of shoes. Try pencil heels if you haven't tried before and go for an all-girls dance tonight
• Buy an itsy-bitsy pink dress this evening
• Read jokes, there are plenty available online
• Surf for oldies in the net and sing out the lyrics. It's all right to cry alone sometimes.
• Decorate your room with flowers. It works and boosts your mood instantly.
• Close your eyes and breathe deeply and slowly. Open your eyes gently.
• Be optimistic, be creative- you would make your self more appealing. These qualities make for joy, for life, and for inner freedom.
• Feel good about yourself, the good qualities in you, suppress the negatives
• Opt for a big bowl of salad or dig into the fruit basket this afternoon.
• Go for a walk. It's a perfect weather for long strolls in the evening
• Cook a nice meal for dinner. Inviting friends is optional. Eat alone.
• Smile-surround yourselves with friends. Cheerfulness and friendships would make you feel better.
• Take a long, hot shower tonight. Or soak your feet in warm water in the bathtub and get a nice foot massage.
• Light an aromatic candle; call it a day with a good book, no, not TV
• Sleep early, sleep well
• Live by each day. You will feel much better tomorrow.