“People will forget what you said people will forget what you did but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelo
Women In History Who Did Big Things
Women’s History Month is here and I feel called to celebrate by acknowledging some of the incredible souls who stood up for what they believed in. Great sisters of the past, present, and future can encourage and empower women of all ages. History has shown us how many strong-willed women helped change the world.
First, there is this heart inspiration within these women’s stories. Second, there is a motivation that washes over me and pushes me to be a better woman. Third, what these women have taught us is the past doesn’t have to be this sad old story. We can allow the past to help lift us up and then encourage, and motivate our souls and minds.
Below you will find women in history who have carved new roads towards new ways of living. Additionally, I just love watching movies and reading stories of those who stand for change. This inspires and helps me up especially when I am feeling down. The quiet whispers and loud roars of some of these lovely ladies continue to empower us as women to do better in our own lives.
Jane Austen – Shifts and Inspires Women’s History through Literature
“Perhaps it is our imperfections that make us perfect from one another.”
Jane Austen brought independence and empowerment by allowing women to see the world differently through literature.
Specifically, over two hundred years ago, Jane wrote stories that started allowing women to think there is more to life than marriage. For this reason, a gifted woman has gone down in the books of history, because she connected with us through emotions and real experiences. That is to say, Janes’s words continue to inspire women all over the world into new ways of being.
Truly many great creations came from Jane including Pride and Prejudice, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, and The Jane Austen Book Club (just to name a few) these books are still read today to fascinate and uplift, motivate and empower women in many different ways.
Born: December 16, 1775. Died: July 18, 1817.
Harriet Tubman – Brings Freedom and Forever Changes History
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
Harriet Tubman was born into slavery and was a soul who took fate into her own hands.
After a brutal head injury as a child, Harriet began receiving messages from what she believed was God. Listening to this voice in her heart, Harriet did the impossible.
A brave woman who had enough torment, stood up and escaped from slavery and didn’t stop there. Facing life head-on and trekking through what many believed was a death sentence only made her stronger. Risking her life a total of 13 times, she continued to rescue approximately 70 slaves and bring them to freedom. Harriet’s strength was incredulous, yet she rose above the impossible and decided what was possible in her world. In fact, this is exactly how another woman changed history, by bringing freedom to slavery.
Through these brave selfless acts, Harriet empowers us to never give up on what we believe is right. This fearless and courageous woman shows us that no matter how tormenting our life is, we can choose to change it. Our life can be up to us if we choose to rise above what the past and even society tell us.
Born: March 1822. Died: March 10, 1913.
Helen Keller – A Woman Changed How Special Needs People Are Perceived
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must felt with the heart.”
Helen Keller was a woman who went down in history because she did not allow disabilities to run her life.
At eighteen months old an illness with a high fever resulted in her being blind and deaf. As we can imagine Helen became defiant and frustrated because communication with a child so special was difficult.
In contrast, there was an answer to her parent’s prayers when they found an institute for the blind. Here she could learn how to communicate with the world in unique ways. At this school for children with special needs, Helen was taught sign language by spelling words into her hands and learned braille (a tactile writing system for the visually impaired).
A woman who was determined to speak pushed through many of life’s challenges. Helen took a speech class at the Wright-Humason School for the Deaf. Rising above what most people would deem impossible or a lost cause, Helen became the first deaf and blind woman to graduate from college.
This bright spirited woman spoke and wrote to advocate for people with disabilities. I can feel the power of her spirit, and being a mama of a special needs child I know she has helped pave new ways for people like my daughter.
Born: June 27, 1880. Died June 1, 1968.
Maya Angelo – Showed Us How To Fly
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.
Maya Angelo, a beautiful mind, and soul who spoke her truth in the best-selling book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Another incredible woman in history who continues to motivate, empower and inspire wounded women to strive on.
A vivacious, intrepid woman, whose life’s path journeyed from a singer, a dancer, a journalist, and an activist of the African-American Civil-Rights Movement, a memoirist, an incredible heart-connected poet, and a screenwriter.
Shifting life on her terms, Maya went from bruised and beaten, and raped, to speaking her truth unapologetically. Living a life of purpose, continuing true to her path as she worked with Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr. In 2010 Angelo was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
Equally important Mays is showing the way for women. Maya’s story has allowed us to know we are not defined by our past. Moreover, this incredible woman has changed history by showing us we can free ourselves from our cages and sing our way into personal freedom.
Born: April 4, 1928. Died: May 28, 2014.
Caged Bird Sings (little snip bit)
Poem by Maya Angelo
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
Read the entire poem HERE
Mother Teresa – Changed History with Unconditional Love
“It’s not about how much you do, but how much love you put into what you do that counts.”
Mother Teresa, a saintly woman who changed the world with a loving heart.
Another woman who helped change the world in her own ways was born as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu. Following a pure path, Mother Teresa began changing history and inspiring us as women and people to be more accepting through love. As the founder of the Missionaries of Charities of 4,500 nuns, who helps people across the world. The congregation helps people who are dying of AIDS/HIV, leprosy, and tuberculosis.
Helping give food and spread love through soup kitchens, dispensaries, mobile clinics, orphanages and schools, and counseling for families. In 1962 she received the Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize and in 1979 the Nobel Peace Prize. An open-hearted woman and one of the most selfless people, Mother Teresa helped every sort of person without judgment and with unconditional love.
Girls who are born and turn into women can learn how to change the world with inspiration and a heart of love from this saintly woman.
Born: August 26, 1910. Died: September 5, 1997
Louise Hay – Shifted History with Healing
“I am free to think wonderful thoughts, I move beyond past limitations into freedom, I am now becoming all that I am created to be.”
Louise Hay was born into abuse and raped at the age of five. In fact, her pain was palpable as she was blamed by her mother who told Louise her rapist would come for her after sending him to jail for his crime.
Year after year Louise found herself in a downward spiral stuck in abusive relationships. As a result, she became pregnant and gave birth at the age of sixteen. Consequently, Louise gave her baby up for adoption to a couple who she knew could give the baby a better life than she could.
Finally, the toxicity took her over as Louise contracted vaginal cancer. Only this was just the beginning of Louise’s healing journey. Therefore this is when she decided to take healing into her own hands. Healing with reflexology and healing past wounds with powerful affirmations, brought Louise to health and into a new empowering path.
A Woman Leaves a Legacy
In addition, Louise Hay studied and became a metaphysical counselor, and in turn, she was called to created a group called the Hayride. For example, this group was created to support people with AIDS and their friends and family members. Teaching was healing in its self, as Louise learned more about AIDS. A physical manifestation of lack of love in one’s life and the message of healing with the power of love and forgiveness.
Indeed this bright light continues shifting how people think and inspiring us with the best-selling book, You Can Heal Your Life, and then Power is Within You. You can find many more reads today helping the lives of millions of women and people across the world. Hay House Publishing keeps Louise’s legacy alive with authors in the self-help and spiritual field.
A mission of self-healing through positive intention and thoughts has changed my life in many different aspects and I am grateful for Louise and how she has forever changed history.
Born: October 8, 1926. Died: August 30, 2017
Affirmation from You Can Heal Your Life
by Louise Hay
In the infinity of life where I am
all is perfect, whole and complete.
I recognize my body as a good friend.
Each cell in my body has Divine Intelligence.
I listen to what it tells me, and know that its advice is valid.
I am always safe, and Divinely protected and guided.
I choose to be healthy and free.
All is well in my world.
Keep Inspired From Women Before Our Time
Women’s history continues to inspire and motivate women around the world. Above all, these courageous souls listed above give us the courage to brave the unknown and do the impossible.
I found it hard to pinpoint the great women who helped change the world. An actual list of women who lead the way from many generations could go on for years. For all of the women out there, please allow these women to empower, encourage, uplift, and inspire you. Allow these great women in history to let you know that no matter how hard life gets there is light at the end of the tunnel. These words are here to help you determine and create your own life on your terms.
Love to all of the women of the past, present, and even the future. I stand tall with a hand on my heart and give great gratitude to all you have endured, and all you have conquered, all you have failed at, all you have succeeded at, all you have lost, and mostly all you have loved. I love you.
