Any opportunity to shine the spotlight on the Women of Country Music…. is fine with us. This weekend…we’re celebrating the POWER of Women! Raising our fists in the air for those who SMASHED down the barriers. Martina…Maren…Trisha…Faith….Reba…*NEW* Dixie Chicks…. you’ll hear them all! Our International Women’s Weekend…. Starting Friday at 7pm. 

My two choices for International Women’s Day are Jen Hutton from Women’s Crisis Services WR and Sara Casselman from The Sexual Assault Support Centre of WR. Both of these women work passionately and tirelessly with their boots on the ground right here in our community to make lives better for women and their children. They also continue to stomp out stigmas, educate and thus change minds and lives. Their work isn’t easy….but it’s essential. Imagine having to fight so hard every day at work. Fight ignorance. Fight lack of funding. Fight trauma. Fight judgement. They do it on the daily and it’s inspiring. These women are warriors and I’m so thankful for their brave hearts.

My wife Amanda is an incredible mom, a caring sister and a motivated, strong-willed professional. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t feel blessed that I get to spend all of my days with her. Watching her raise our daughters with the same spirit, energy and moxie that has served her so well over the years is nothing short of inspiring.
While several amazing women over the years have used the role of “first lady” to help people all over the world, few have used it as well as Michelle Obama. As a lawyer and an accomplished writer, she has achieved a lot over the years – but the way she has empowered women, especially young women like my daughters to reach for the stars (and not to take any crap along the way) is incredible…and she’s far from done.

The most influential woman in my life is and will always be my Mom. The hard work and dedication to everything I do comes from what she taught me growing up. Whether it was the happiest moments or the darkest days in my life I knew my Mom would be there for me with words of advice or even just an ear to listen. If at the end of my time I can say I showed even half as much care and love for others that my mother has I will count that as a huge success.
A famous woman I admire is Helen Mirren. The famous actress has shown her abilities in a wide array of films and with each passing year shows her ability to command a room or goof around in the action movie genre. You can tell she enjoys her craft. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever been given is “Pick a career where you are excited to get up in the morning”. If you can have a career like Helen Mirren feels about acting, no matter what it is; You are living a wonderful life

The two most influential women in my life are these two lovely ladies. My mother has taught me so much about loyalty and trust. She raised me with a strong work ethic and has always showed me the brighter side of life. No matter what our family went through, her positive spirit made the tough times easy! And my wife Kaitlin is such a hard working woman. I’m always grateful to come home to her. I could’ve had a long day, tired, or sick…and she knows exactly what to do to make me feel better instantly! I know that one day, she will make an amazing mom and role model!

One famous woman that influences me is Ellen DeGeneres. She begins her show DANCING! Have you ever begun your day dancing? Probably not. People dance with her, get excited, feel good and laugh. When I do my show I try to bring a positive heart and shine some happiness on your day. If I can make you chuckle or smile, that’s a little win for me! Ellen finds the positive in the world where people think there isn’t any!

Filed under: International Women's Day, March 8, Sunday