Before I even get into the post – and I know this is a bit of a sidebar – I recently listened to a podcast where the hosts were discussing bridezillas. 

Bridezillas are essentially women who, in the process of planning their wedding, become completely unbearable. 

There’s usually a negative perception of them, but I was surprised to hear that the hosts of this particular podcast were actually quite sympathetic.

According to them, in many cultures, women are often sidelined by default, treated as secondary characters in their own lives. 

And for a lot of women, their wedding is the only time they truly get to feel like the main character – when everything revolves around them, even if just for a moment. 

I thought about this, and I had to agree. 

While I haven’t been married and haven’t had a personal bridezilla experience, I know from daily life how society routinely minimizes women’s needs, wants, and desires. 

So it absolutely makes sense.

That’s why a big part of my mindset is about reclaiming my main character energy. 

It’s something I try to do every single day, in every way, and will continue doing for the rest of my life. 

And if you want to feel more like the main character in your own life, these are the quotes you should absolutely engrave in your heart. 

These quotes will remind you that you are the captain of your own ship, that you don’t need to defer to anyone when it comes to decisions about your life, and that you should always take ownership of your choices. 

1. “You are your best thing.”  –  Toni Morrison

In Beloved, Toni Morrison tells the story of Sethe, a woman who has escaped slavery but is haunted by her past. 

This quote is such a powerful reminder to love and value ourselves for who we are, no matter where we’ve been or what we’ve been through. 

Sethe’s journey is about finding peace and self-worth, and this quote sums up that message perfectly.

I really connect with this because sometimes I get caught up in thinking I need to do more or be more to be enough. 

But Toni Morrison is reminding me – and us – that we are already amazing just as we are. I carry this with me whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed or doubting myself, especially when I’m trying to grow my blog or take on new projects.

Book Rec: If you’re in the mood to dive into something deep, Beloved is a must-read. It’s a tough but beautiful story of healing.

2. “I am not afraid. I was born to do this.”  –  Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc was a fierce young woman who led armies and helped change the course of history. 

This quote speaks to her unshakable confidence and belief that she was meant to do something big, no matter what anyone else thought.

I love this because it’s a bold reminder that we were all born to make a difference. 

For me, it’s something I think about when I’m facing challenges, whether it’s growing my platform or tackling new things I’m unsure of. 

It’s about stepping into your power, even if it scares you.

Book Rec: Joan’s story is incredible. If you want to learn more about her, Joan of Arc by Helen Castor is a fantastic read.

3. “She wasn’t looking for a knight, she was looking for a sword.”  –  Atticus Poetry, The Dark Between Stars

This quote from Atticus is such a vibe. 

It’s all about not waiting for someone to save you, but instead finding the tools you need within yourself to take on the world. 

And it’s a reminder that we don’t need to wait for a hero; we can be our own hero.

I really resonate with this. 

There are moments when I feel stuck, especially when I’m juggling different tasks for my blog or dealing with self-doubt, but I remind myself that I’ve got everything I need inside me to move forward. 

Book Rec: If you’re into short, powerful poetry, The Dark Between Stars by Atticus is perfect. His words really hit home.

4. “I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become.”  –  Carl Jung

Carl Jung, a famous psychologist, said this, and it’s such an important reminder. 

No matter what we’ve been through, we have the power to shape who we become. 

Our past doesn’t define us, and we can always choose to be better, stronger, and more ourselves.

I think this quote is one of those life-changers. 

I’ve had my own struggles, like dealing with anxiety, but this quote helps me focus on what I can do in the future instead of letting the past hold me back. 

It’s something I try to remind myself when I feel overwhelmed, especially with big goals I have for my blog and personal life.

Book Rec: If you’re into understanding the human mind, Memories, Dreams, Reflections by Carl Jung gives some great insights.

5. “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”  –  Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou’s words hit home for me every time. 

She speaks about resilience and not letting life’s hardships strip us of our strength. 

Life is going to throw challenges our way, but we get to decide how we respond.

This is one I hold close when things get tough. 

I’ve had moments when it feels like life is a bit too much – like balancing work, my blog, and everything else. 

But Angelou’s words remind me that I can choose how to react. 

No matter what happens, I don’t have to let it change who I am or what I want to achieve.

Book Rec: If you haven’t read it already, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou is a beautiful, empowering memoir.

6. “The most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence.”  –  Blake Lively

Blake Lively has always spoken about the importance of confidence, and this quote sums it up perfectly. 

When you’re confident, you radiate a kind of beauty that nothing else can replace. 

Confidence is something we all need to wear daily, even if we have to fake it till we make it sometimes.

This quote always sticks with me. 

Whenever I feel unsure, especially when working on big projects, I remind myself that confidence is key. 

Book Rec: If you’re a fan of Blake Lively’s energy, her biography by Tom McNichol is a fun and insightful read.

7. “I am not a one in a million kind of girl. I am a once in a lifetime kind of woman.”  –  Unknown

This quote is such a great reminder that there is no one like you. 

You’re unique, special, and made to stand out. 

It’s a celebration of your individuality and the things that make you you.

I think about this often, especially when I feel like I’m not measuring up to others. 

But this quote helps me remember that there’s no one else like me, and I’m here to do things my way. 

It’s something I always try to carry with me as I work on my goals for my blog and life in general.

Book Rec: If you want to dive into something that celebrates individuality, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is a great read that really taps into that creative energy.

8. “Do one thing every day that scares you.”  –  Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt was all about stepping out of your comfort zone and facing fears head-on. 

This quote encourages you to push yourself a little each day, whether that’s trying something new or facing something intimidating.

I try to live by this, especially when working on my blog. 

Sometimes, trying new things feels a bit nerve-wracking, but the more I do it, the more I grow. 

It’s all about those small, brave steps that lead to bigger things.

Book Rec: The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt is a great read if you want to understand more about her fearless attitude.

9. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”  –  Mahatma Gandhi

This quote by Gandhi encourages us to be the change we want to see, rather than waiting for others to do it. 

If you want to make a difference, it starts with you.

I’ve always thought about this quote whenever I want to make my blog more impactful or make a positive difference in my community. 

Change doesn’t happen unless we start with ourselves. It’s about being the change we want to see in the world around us.

Book Rec: The Story of My Experiments with Truth is a powerful way to understand Gandhi’s philosophy.

10. “You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.”  –  Sophia Bush

This quote by Sophia Bush is a reminder that we don’t have to have everything figured out at once. 

We’re all evolving, and that’s okay. 

You can be proud of who you are right now while still striving to become more.

I love this one because sometimes I feel like I’m stuck in the middle of becoming who I want to be, especially when I’m working on things like my blog and career.

But I’m reminded that being a work in progress is perfectly fine, and I can still be proud of what I’ve achieved.

Book Rec: If you’re all about embracing the journey, The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes is a great one. It’s a book about stepping into your power, saying yes to growth, and learning to love the process, even when it’s messy.

11. “Don’t wait for opportunity. Create it.”  –  Unknown

Waiting for the right moment to act can sometimes feel like you’re putting your life on pause. 

This quote is all about taking control and creating the opportunities you want instead of waiting for them to fall into your lap.

This has really stuck with me because it’s something I try to remind myself of when I’m working on a new project. 

I can’t sit around hoping things will just come to me – I’ve got to make them happen, and that’s how I plan to keep pushing forward.

Book Rec: Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso is such a vibe. It’s the perfect book if you’re someone who’s ready to take charge and make things happen for yourself, rather than waiting for them to fall into your lap.

12. “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”  –  Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs wasn’t just talking about work; he was talking about passion. 

When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work – it feels like purpose.

Whenever I feel overwhelmed by all the tasks on my plate, I think about this quote. 

It’s a great reminder for me that even when things get tough, like working on my blog content or trying to figure out my Pinterest strategy, if I truly love it, it’ll all be worth it. 

Passion makes everything feel possible.

Book Rec: If you’re looking for something that’ll help you tap into your creativity, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is a must-read.

13. “You are enough just as you are.”  –  Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle has been an advocate for self-empowerment, and this quote speaks to that inner truth we all need to hear. 

It’s about accepting yourself and not feeling pressured to change for anyone or anything.

I connect with this so much because there are times when I feel like I need to do more to be enough. 

But this quote helps me realize that I am already enough, and I don’t need to prove it. 

It’s something I remind myself of, especially when I feel like I’m falling behind.

Book Rec: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown is perfect if you’re all about embracing who you are, flaws and all. It’ll help you see that you don’t need to change anything to be worthy – you’re already enough.

14. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”  –  Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln’s quote is a classic reminder that we are the architects of our future. 

The actions we take today shape what’s ahead of us.

This one really resonates with me because it makes me feel like I have control over my destiny. 

Whether it’s the content I post on my blog or the steps I’m taking to rebrand it, I know that everything I do today is building the future I want. 

It makes the work I put in feel a little more meaningful.

Book Rec: Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans is a great guide for anyone looking to take control of their future. 

15. “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”  –  Jennifer Lee

Jennifer Lee’s quote encourages us to be fearless in chasing what we love, even if it’s daunting. 

It’s all about diving headfirst into the things that make us feel alive and passionate.

I definitely connect with this one. 

I often have moments where I doubt myself, especially with big goals like growing my blog. 

But when I think about what drives me – sharing my love for books and helping others connect with them – it sparks something inside me to push forward, even when it feels a little scary.

Book Rec: Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis is all about pushing through self-doubt and going after what you want. If you’re ready to step into your power and stop apologizing for your big dreams, this one’s for you!

16. “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”  –  Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama has been a role model for so many of us. 

This quote is about breaking down boundaries and knowing that women are capable of achieving incredible things, no matter the obstacles.

Every time I think I’m too small or insignificant to make a big impact with my blog, I remind myself of this. 

Women have done and are doing extraordinary things every day, and I’m just as capable of reaching my own big goals – no matter how tough it seems.

Book Rec: Becoming by Michelle Obama is a must if you want a deep, inspiring read. 

17. “She believed she could, so she did.”  –  R.S. Grey

This quote might be short and sweet, but it carries so much weight. 

This one really speaks to me when I feel like I’m not making the progress I want to. 

The key is to believe that I can do it, and once that belief takes root, things start happening. 

Whether it’s pushing through an anxiety attack or working on a new blog post, believing in myself makes all the difference.

Book Rec: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman is a quirky, inspiring novel about Eleanor, a woman who believes she’s different from everyone else but finds her way to a new and better life. It’s all about the courage to believe in yourself, no matter what.

18. “You don’t have to be perfect to be amazing.”  –  Unknown

This quote is all about embracing imperfection and realizing that perfection isn’t necessary for greatness.

You can still be amazing even if everything isn’t perfectly in place.

I love this one because I used to get caught up in wanting everything to be flawless. 

But now, I’ve learned that the messy parts of the journey are just as important as the smooth ones. 

When I think about my future and the things I plan to do, I don’t need everything to be perfect – I just need to show up and do my best.

Book Rec: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown is perfect if you want to be more authentic in your leadership – whether that’s in your career, your friendships, or even just in your personal life. 

19. “Sometimes you have to create your own sunshine.”  –  Unknown

This quote is a gentle reminder that we don’t have to wait for good things to happen to us – sometimes we have to take the reins and create the positivity we need ourselves.

It’s definitely something I try to remind myself of when I’m feeling down or unmotivated. 

When I’m working on my blog or content planning and I’m struggling, I know that I can find my own motivation and keep going. 

Book Rec: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin is all about creating a little extra happiness in your day-to-day life. It’s a fun and practical read that can inspire you to make your own sunshine, even when life feels tough.

20. “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.”  –  Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa’s words urge us not to wait for permission to take action. 

We have the power within ourselves to make change, no matter how small.

I often feel like I need to wait for the perfect moment or for someone to give me a green light before making a move, but this quote reminds me that I can just take charge. 

Whether it’s in my blog, my personal life, or my goals, I don’t need anyone’s permission to pursue what I want. I’m the one who creates the path forward.

Book Rec: The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga is a thought-provoking book that challenges you to take control of your life without waiting for permission. 

I’ve also written a post about the very best feminist quotes from iconic figures that everyone should have memorized, so be sure to check that out!

And since Women’s History Month is upon us – though, of course, we agree that celebrating women is a year-round thing – you can visit this page for tons of posts about women, female authors, books by and about women, and so much more.

To wrap this up, don’t forget to check out this post about my favorite female fictional characters who inspire me to be a better person every day!