For International Woman’s Day I had all these intentions of writing a passionate post about what being “woman” has meant for me. A post about my perspectives on the world and how I was socialized to play a gender role that I now realize is not authentically me.

But instead, I have decided to celebrate an amazing woman who lived long before the internet and who produced beautiful writings and poems that were never published. My great-grandmother, Caroline Linton.

Below is a poem she wrote about belonging and finding your place. I believe this is the compassion, empathy, and vision for the world that women bring to relationships, the workplace, and humanity. It speaks to the core of how I believe many women view, and find, their purpose.

Just the Simple Things of Life by Caroline Linton (estimated writing 1930/1940)