Women throughout history have not only navigated the complexities of their times, but they’ve also created legacies of strength, resilience, and wisdom that continue to inspire us today. From trailblazers in science to artists who changed the cultural landscape, these legendary women lived their lives in ways that can teach us all how to thrive in our own modern worlds. Let’s dive into some of their secrets and how we can apply them to our own journeys.
Own Your Power
One of the most powerful lessons we can take from legendary women is the importance of owning our power. Too often, we’re told to be “humble,” to downplay our strengths, and to shrink ourselves to fit into societal molds. Yet, the women who made history did the opposite. They unapologetically embraced their strengths and used them to carve out space for themselves in male-dominated spheres.
Take Marie Curie, for example. A pioneering scientist who won two Nobel Prizes, Curie didn’t let being a woman in early 20th-century Europe hold her back. Her dedication to science and her groundbreaking discoveries in radioactivity weren’t just monumental for science—they were also a bold statement about women’s intellectual power. She was driven by passion, unafraid to stand out or face the challenges of a field that wasn’t welcoming to women.
Similarly, Maya Angelou, one of the most influential poets and writers of the 20th century, stood firmly in her own truth, writing about personal suffering, growth, and freedom. Her words were her power, and through them, she uplifted others to own their stories, too. Her ability to speak up for herself—and for others—reminds us that true power comes from the courage to be ourselves, to use our voices, and to stand in our own space, no matter who or what tries to diminish us.
In your own life, how can you own your power? Maybe it’s standing up for your ideas at work, asserting your needs in relationships, or simply giving yourself permission to shine. Whatever it looks like, taking a page from these legendary women shows us that we don’t need permission to step into our power. It’s ours for the taking.
Embrace the Power of Resilience
Resilience is another key lesson that legendary women teach us. Life is never without its setbacks, but it’s how we respond to challenges that shapes our ability to thrive. Women like Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks didn’t just endure hardship; they transformed it into fuel for their activism and achievements.
Harriet Tubman, born into slavery, escaped and went on to risk her life multiple times to lead others to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Her resilience wasn’t just about physical survival—it was about the mental and emotional strength to keep going even when the odds were stacked against her. She faced immense challenges, from the horrors of slavery to the dangers of helping others escape, yet she never wavered in her commitment to freedom and justice.
Rosa Parks, too, displayed incredible resilience in her stand against segregation. Her refusal to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement. What’s powerful about Parks’ act of resistance is that it wasn’t a spontaneous moment of defiance, but the culmination of years of quiet activism and deep internal strength. Her action was not just a protest but a statement of resilience—showing that even the smallest actions could challenge the status quo and lead to monumental change.
These women teach us that resilience is not just about bouncing back from adversity but about having the courage to stay committed to your mission, even in the face of difficulty. It’s about finding the strength within ourselves to keep going when it seems like all is lost.
For those of us navigating our own struggles, resilience means embracing the challenges as opportunities for growth. It’s about acknowledging the pain and difficulty but not letting it define you. Instead, like Tubman and Parks, use it as motivation to create the life and impact you desire.
Foster Connections and Lift Each Other Up
Finally, one of the most powerful secrets legendary women teach us is the importance of connection and lifting each other up. Often, when women succeed, society tends to portray their accomplishments as singular—something done on their own. But when you look closer, you’ll see that many of these women thrived because they were part of communities that supported them, shared their wisdom, and pushed them forward.
Consider the remarkable friendship between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West, two literary giants of the 20th century. Their relationship was one of mutual support and intellectual exchange, and it had a lasting impact on their respective works. They created space for each other to explore ideas, take risks, and be vulnerable, all while knowing they had each other’s backs. Woolf once said that “the most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and let it come in.” This principle was clearly lived out in her friendships.
Similarly, women like Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan, who were pivotal in the feminist movement, understood the power of collective action. They knew that no individual could change the world alone. They built coalitions, formed organizations, and created spaces where women could support one another and push for equality together. The feminist movements they helped lead weren’t just about fighting for rights—they were about forging sisterhoods that empowered every woman involved.
In today’s world, this idea of supporting one another is more important than ever. We may be navigating a rapidly changing and often isolating world, but we don’t have to go it alone. Just as these legendary women built communities, we can foster our own networks of support. Whether it’s a group of like-minded colleagues, a circle of friends, or an online community, surrounding ourselves with women who inspire, challenge, and support us can make all the difference in our own journeys toward thriving.