This list of quotes was curated by a soul longing for meaning and belonging.

As a woman of color, I didn’t have the pleasure of reading literature by other women of color until much later in life. When I did begin digging deep into the cultural gems that have been largely present yet unseen, I felt a spark in my soul ignite.

I realized that there were women—just like me—who had also peeled back the layers of their skin to reveal the radiance of their soul.

I hope that you find as much inspiration in these words as I do:

>> “I am obsessed with becoming a woman comfortable in her skin.” ~ Sandra Cisneros

>> “Feet, what do I need them for if I have wings to fly?” ~ Frida Kahlo

>> “I believe in the fire of love and the sweat of truth.” ~ Assata Shakur

>> “I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.” ~ Maya Angelou

>> “When I dare to be powerful—to use my strength in the service of my vision—then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” ~ Audre Lorde

>> “You wanna fly…you got to give up the sh*t that weighs you down.” ~ Toni Morrison

>> “Don’t plan it all. Let life surprise you a little.” ~ Julia Alvarez

>> “Pack a pillow and blanket, and see as much of the world as you can. You will not regret it.” ~ Jhumpa Lahiri

>> “When you can’t find someone to follow, you have to find a way to lead by example.” ~ Roxanne Gay

>> “Forgiveness and faith are like writing a story; they take time, effort, revisions.” ~ Daisy Hernandez

>> “Of course I am not worried about intimidating men. The type of man who will be intimidated by me is exactly the type of man I have no interest in.” ~ Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

>> “I shall plant my hands in the garden. And I will grow” ~ Forough Farrokhzad

>> “You tell me to quiet down ’cause my opinions make me less beautiful, but I was not made with a fire in my belly so I could be put out. I was not made with a lightness on my tongue so I could be easy to swallow. I was made heavy half blade and half silk—difficult to forget and not easy for the mind to follow.” ~ Rupi Kaur

>> “My alone feels so good. I’ll only have you if you’re sweeter than my solitude.” ~ Warsan Shire

~

Relephant:

25 Empowering Quotes from Inspirational Women.

20 Frida Kahlo Quotes to Touch the Core of Your Being.

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Author: Lisa Vallejos
Image: Flickr/Larry Lamsa
Editor: Yoli Ramazzina
Copy Editor: Travis May
Social Editor: Waylon Lewis