Happy Monday everyone!
I was raised by a single mother who worked a full time job. She gave everything she had to make sure my brother and I had everything we needed and wanted. She figured out a way around every obstacle that was placed in front of her.
My maternal grandmother is the only biological grandparent I had growing up. My grandfather died before I was born and my grandmother never remarried. Baba (a version of the word for grandmother in some Eastern European countries) is all I knew in terms of a grandparent. She was a strong, independent, 100-pound woman who didn’t put up with anyone’s bullshit. She’d tell you how it is, scold you in Slovak, then threaten to sit on you.
I never had a relationship with anyone on my dad’s side, but through Ancestry research I recently learned I am a descendant of Salem witches. Sarah Wardwell admitted to witchcraft in September 1692 and was convicted January 1693. She was scheduled to be executed, but the Governor issued last minute reprieves for those convicted of witchcraft and she was released. Sarah’s daughter and step-daughter were also accused of witchcraft, but were ultimately acquitted in the same trial that Sarah was convicted.
I am a descendant of strong women. I was raised by strong women.
I am a strong woman.
In honor of March being Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day last week, here are 24 quotes from powerhouse women:
“Being a successful person is not necessarily defined by what you have achieved, but by what you have overcome.” —Fannie Flagg, author, comedian, actor
“For both men and women the first step in getting power is to become visible to others, and then to put on an impressive show…as women achieve power, the barriers will fall. As society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we’ll all be better off for it.” —Sandra Day O’Conner, former US Supreme Court Justice
“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line.” —Lucille Ball, actor, comedian
“Rejection means you’re reaching for something bigger and better. It means you’re stepping outside of your comfort zone and stretching yourself to see how far you can go.” —Amy Morin, psychotherapist, author
“Fear can’t actually hurt me. Acting without fear is called recklessness. Acting with fear is called courage.” —Ronda Rousey, UFC Champion, author, actor
“Other women are not your competition. When we buy into the belief that they are, we don’t just hurt one another, we hurt ourselves.” —Molly Galbraith, cofounder of Girls Gone Strong, author
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.” —Maya Angelou, poet, civil rights activist
“Don’t let anyone speak for you, and don’t rely on others to fight for you.” —Michelle Obama, lawyer, author, former First Lady of the United States
“I raise up my voice not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard…we cannot succeed when half of us are held back.” -Malala Yousafzai, female education activist
“Find out who you are and be that person. That’s what your soul was put on this Earth to be. Find that truth, live that truth and everything else will come.” —Ellen DeGeneres, comedian, actress, television host
“You don’t gain confidence through the public praise you receive from strangers. You become confident by the relentless, teeth gritting, stomach turning work you do in private.” —Leila Hormozi, entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist
“Your anxiety is lying to you. You will be fine. You’ve survived this far, the odds are actually in your favor.” —Codie Sanchez, investor, small business owner, writer
“I’m a woman who embraces her multitudes and who knows her feminine style doesn’t diminish her credibility.” —Kellie Gerardi, astronaut, scientist, researcher
“Your growth will make others uncomfortable…but what will staying the same cost you? —Claire Bays, nutrition coach, pain free performance coach, podcaster
“You would not have the dream if you didn’t already have what it takes within you to make it happen.” —Marie Forleo, entrepreneur, founder, author
“Your job is not to eliminate failure. Some of your best advancements will come from picking yourself back up. Your job is to minimize its impact by confronting it, learning from it, and recovering as quickly as possible.” —Lauren Johnson, CEO, performance coach
“Success is not about perfection—it’s about resilience and growth. Own your journey, trust your path, and watch yourself soar beyond self-doubt.” —Amy Porterfield, entrepreneur, author
“Everything has a purpose so embrace what you’ve got…turn what you were told was your weakness into your motherfucking strength!” —Tamara Walcott, professional powerlifter, Guinness World Record holder
“We are not strong in fields in spite of being women. We are strong in our fields because we are women.” —Kendall Reusing, jiu-jitsu black belt, podcaster, business owner, combat sport commentator
“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” —Ayn Rand, author, philosopher
“I’m not offended by dumb blonde jokes because I know that I’m not dumb. I also know that I’m not blonde.” —Dolly Parton, singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist, entrepreneur
“When a thoughtless or unkind word is spoken, best tune out.” —Ruth Badger Ginsburg, lawyer, US Supreme Court Justice
“A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” —Coco Chanel, fashion designer, businesswoman
“I know my worth. I embrace my power. I say if I’m beautiful. I say if I’m strong. You will not determine my story. I will.” —Amy Shumer, comedian, actor
What quotes would you add to this list?
Until next week,
Rychelle 💜
Saved EVERY SINGLE QUOTE into my "Favourite Quotes" doc :)
Loved this list, Rochelle! Thank you for sharing 🥰