In honour of all the amazing women of the world, I have collated some of the quotes that have had the strongest and most powerful effect on me on the toughest of days.

They’ve kicked me in the right direction when I needed to keep going.

Perhaps more importantly, they’ve helped me to think deeply, become more creative, have deeper faith in myself and shine with brilliance on days when I’ve really struggled to get out of bed in the morning.

Of course, men say equally important and inspiring words!

But this one is dedicated solely towards celebrating and appreciating the words of the world’s most inspiring and influential women.

Quotes can be powerful, which is why I pin them everywhere.

Here are some of my favourites:

“Why do you have to choose what type of woman you are? Why do you have to label yourself anything?” ~ Beyonce Knowles

“I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint—and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” ~ Maya Angelou

“A strong woman understands that the gifts such as logic, decisiveness, and strengths are just as feminine as intuition and emotional connection. She values and uses all of her gifts.” ~ Nancy Rathburn

“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.” ~ Madeleine Albright

“Love is what we were born with. Fear is what we learned here.” ~ Marianne Williamson

“We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” ~ Mother Teresa

“Do you really want to look back on your life and see how wonderful it could have been had you not been afraid to live it?” ~ Caroline Myss

“It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but even more to stand up to your friends.” ~ J.K. Rowling

“Trust me that as I ignore all law to help the slave, so will I ignore it all to protect an enslaved woman.” ~ Susan B. Anthony

“Women are never stronger than when they arm themselves with their weaknesses.” ~ Madame Marie du Deffand

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” ~ Anais Nin

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” ~ Jane Goodall

“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” ~ Ayn Rand

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” ~ Alice Walker

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

“There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” ~ Anais Nin

“There are two ways of spreading light. To be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it.” ~ Edith Wharton

“The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” ~ Anna Quindlen

“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” ~ Maya Angelou

“The truth will set you free. But first, it will piss you off.” ~ Gloria Steinem

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be.” ~ Marianne Williamson

“I am a strong woman with or without this other person, with or without this job, and with or without these tight pants.” ~ Queen Latifah

“I can’t think of any better representation of beauty than someone who is unafraid to be herself.” ~ Emma Stone

“I am not bird; And no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.” ~ Charlotte Bronte

Relephant: 

The Sensual & Erotic Anaïs Nin Quotes that Blow my Mind Every Time.

We are Already Perfect (& 15 Quotes to Remind Us).

Author: Alex Sandra Myles 

Editor: Renée Picard

Photos: elephant archives