30 Quotes for Strong, Confident Women When Self-Doubt Kicks In
“If you’re comfortable with yourself, you’re going to shine and radiate.”
When you're looking for positive affirmations, who do you turn to? It could be your sister, a mentor, or even your favorite celebrity. But in a world full of chatter defining what a woman should and shouldn't be, the scrutiny of society causes women (sometimes) to lose themselves trying to fit in. So how do you overcome this?
On June 24, the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has once again challenged the autonomy of women in the United States to decide and defend their reproductive healthcare rights. Because of this and so many other issues, women are rising up and finding their resilience in light of dictatory rules and overbearing voices.
In solidarity of women opposing the Roe v. Wade overturn, Michelle Obama shared an empowering message: "Our hearts may be broken today, but tomorrow, we've got to get up and find the courage to keep working towards creating the more just America we all deserve. We have so much left to push for, to rally for, to speak up for—and I know we can do this together."
If ever you find you're doubting yourself, take inspiration from what Angelina Jolie wrote in a 2013 op-ed in The New York Times: "Life comes with many challenges. The ones that should not scare us are the ones we can take on and take control of."
Or suppose someone judges your capabilities based on gender and exterior biases. Singer-songwriter Dolly Parton will remind you to be bold in any situation; she said, "If you're comfortable with yourself and know yourself, you're going to shine and radiate, and other people are going to be drawn to you," in an interview with HuffPost.
With these empowering quotes for and by strong women, from the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Michelle Obama, and of course, Oprah, we hope you'll be inspired to see your own power and continue moving forward through all of life's obstacles. Rise to the challenge. You are worthy of love and respect!
Maya Angelou
"What you're supposed to do when you don't like a thing is change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it. Don't complain," the legendary writer said in Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now.
Angelina Jolie
"Life comes with many challenges. The ones that should not scare us are the ones we can take on and take control of," Jolie wrote in a 2013 op-ed in The New York Times.
Chrissy Metz
"One day you will appreciate the upgrade of that cruise control, but never take your eye off that winding road you have paved by being courageously you," the This Is Us star wrote in her 2017 Most Beautiful essay in People.
Amy Schumer
"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," the mom wrote in her book The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo.
Tamron Hall
"The biggest compliment I get is when someone tells me, 'You're so real.' Even if my journey isn't exactly like theirs," Hall told People in 2016.
Hillary Clinton
"Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. And, when you stumble, keep faith. And, when you're knocked down, get right back up and never listen to anyone who says you can't or shouldn't go on," the former Secretary of State said during a speech in 2008.
Kate Hudson
"Happiness is not something that just comes to you. It's an active process," Hudson told Allure in 2015.
Gabrielle Union
"An empress does not concern herself with the antics of fools," Union wrote in her book We're Going to Need More Wine.
Margaret Atwood
"Don't let the bastards grind you down," Atwood wrote in The Handmaid's Tale.
Kelly Clarkson
"I've just never cared what people think. It's more if I'm happy and I'm confident and feeling good. That's always been my thing. And more so now, since having a family—I don’t seek out any other acceptance," Clarkson told Heat magazine in 2015.
Gayle King
"The best way to live is to give, to worry less, and when we do what we love, we can do more than we ever imagined," King wrote in her book Note to Self.
Serena Williams
"I really think a champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall," Williams told The National in 2012.
Jada Pinkett Smith
"Worry about being respected, never worry about being liked. Because that's the trap," Pinkett Smith said on SiriusXM’s Sway’s Universe in 2014.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
"I have chosen to no longer be apologetic for my femaleness and my femininity. And I want to be respected in all of my femaleness because I deserve to be," Adichie wrote in her book We Should All Be Feminist.
Erin Foster
"You have to believe in yourself and believe in your ability to prove yourself wrong," Foster said during the Create & Cultivate Self-Care Summit in 2019.
Drew Barrymore
“I think happiness is what makes you pretty. Period. Happy people are beautiful. They become like a mirror and they reflect that happiness," Barrymore told People in 2007.
Dolly Parton
"If you’re comfortable with yourself and know yourself, you’re going to shine and radiate, and other people are going to be drawn to you," Parton said in a 2016 interview with HuffPost.
Jennifer Lopez
“The truth is nobody knows what’s inside of you. Only you know what’s inside of you. Only you know what you can accomplish, and what you’re capable of. Whatever you feel in your heart and in your gut, you should follow that,” Lopez said during her State Farm Neighborhood Sessions in 2014.
Eleanor Roosevelt
"You must do the things you think you cannot do," Roosevelt said, according to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Elizabeth Gilbert
"Embrace the glorious mess that you are," Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love wrote in her book Big Magic.
As the Lifestyle Writer at OprahMag.com, I cover beauty, style, relationships & love, work & money, health, and food. When I'm not working, you'll find me watching Bravo, on the hunt for the perfect jeans and white tee, or taking my yorkie, Chloe, out for walks in Riverdale, New York.
Riane Capalad is the Editorial Intern at Oprah Daily, where she covers a little bit of everything from culture to achieving your healthiest self. Riane is also the first to represent the Northern Mariana Islands as she joins the OD team. When she's not working, she's either running, journaling, or planning her next trip to who knows where! Follow her on Instagram.
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