I have an aunt who shaped me. She made me feel seen and heard (which is a big deal as a middle child) and told me I could be anything I set my mind to be. She taught me about the world and sparked my curiosity about other cultures and lifestyles. She taught me about music and how to struggle well.
She was not perfect by any means but her life inspired and made me who I am today. In honor of her, here are seven lessons on being a woman I learned from her expressed in books I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Each of the women in these books have bits of character that speak deeply about being a woman.
How to Be Loving: Open Your Heart, Open a Book
Being loving means showing kindness, care, and empathy in your relationships. It's about offering support to your loved ones and being patient with yourself. Love is not just a feeling but an action, one that requires attention, compassion, and the ability to give without expecting anything in return.
A good woman nurtures love—towards family, friends, and even strangers. She extends kindness, forgives readily, radiates warmth, and listens with empathy. Being loving involves creating a safe and supportive environment where others can thrive. She understands the power of connection and strives to create a safe and nurturing environment for herself and others.
- Book: The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman
- Character: Sally Lockhart
- Actionable Tip: After reading this story and seeing how the character demonstrates love, reflect on how you can show more love to those around you.
How to Be Resilient: Weather the Storm, Find Your Inner Strength
Life throws challenges, but resilience is the art of rising stronger each time. How you respond to them defines your strength. Being resilient means having the courage to rise after each fall, learning from adversity, and refusing to let obstacles define you. It’s about turning setbacks into comebacks and remaining unshaken in the face of hardship.
A good woman embraces setbacks as opportunities to grow, demonstrating courage and adaptability in the face of adversity. She faces challenges with grace and determination, and she learns from her experiences.
- Book: The Women by Kristin Hannah
- Character: Frances “Frankie” McGrath
- Actionable Tip: When faced with a challenge, recall how the character demonstrated resilience. Ask yourself, "What would they do?"
How to Be Courageous: Turn the Page, Face Your Fears
Courage isn't the absence of fear, but the willingness to face it. A courageous woman stands up for what she believes in, even when it's difficult. She knows when to step in and help and when to stand back silently giving others the opportunity to find the courage in themselves. She may not always do everything right but she is willing to try.
- Book: Unveiled: Tamar by Francine Rivers
- Character: Tamar
- Actionable Tip: This book may make you slightly uncomfortable or challenge your preconceived notions. Engage with the ideas presented, and consider how they might help you face your own fears.
How to Be Authentic: Embrace Your True Self, Write Your Own Narrative
A good woman stays true to herself. She celebrates her uniqueness, speaks her mind with integrity, and doesn’t shy away from showing vulnerability. Authenticity creates deeper connections with others. She embraces her unique strengths and weaknesses, and she lives her life with openness.
- Book: Born in Fire by Nora Roberts
- Character: Margaret Mary Concannon
- Actionable Tip: Reflect on what makes you unique and how you can live more authentically.
How to Be Empathetic: Listen Deeply, Understand Others
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. An empathetic woman listens with an open heart and strives to connect with people on a deeper level. Her grace shines through in how she handles both triumph and defeat (her own and others). She practices gratitude, humility, and tact, making others feel valued and respected in her presence.
- Book: What Happens Next by Christina Suzann Nelson
- Character: Faith Byrne
- Actionable Tip: When reading this story, try to put yourself in the characters' shoes. Ask yourself, "How would I feel in this situation?"
How to Be Independent: Find Your Voice, Create Your Own Path
Independence is about self-reliance and autonomy. An independent woman knows her worth. She knows how to stand on her own two feet. Independence means having the freedom to make your own choices, pursue your own passions, and create a life that reflects your values. It’s not about isolating yourself; rather, it’s about building a strong foundation so that you can navigate the world with confidence and clarity.
- Book: The Heart of the Mountains by Pepper Basham
- Character: Cora Taylor
- Actionable Tip: Try and learn or practice a new profession or hobby that you have always been interested in. This will help you to find new ways to express your independence.
How to Be Wise: Absorb Knowledge, Write Your Own Story
Wisdom comes from a combination of knowledge, experience, and reflection. A wise woman seeks to learn and grow, and she uses her knowledge to make informed decisions. Each new situation or challenge allows her to expand her knowledge base and find creative ways to solve problems.
- Book: What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon
- Character: Anne Gallagher
- Actionable Tip: Write down key takeaways from your reading, and reflect on how you can apply them to your own life.
There are so many more characteristics I could mention like compassion and determination and empathy. Find a book that expresses any of these and let us know in the comments below:
Thank you for spending time with me. Until our next bookish adventure…😜
#InternationalWomensMonth #EmpoweredWomen #WomenInLiterature #StrengthInWomen
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