As women always seeking to be our best selves, we must remember that we are not alone in this journey. There’s a sisterhood of women just like us all around the world who want to be the women they were created to be. We all have moments on our way when we may feel isolated or discouraged, but we can always look to the shared wisdom of strong women around us.

Here are some powerful quotations from women that speak to the strengths of women — and challenge us all to continue on our journeys:

“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy — the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” –Brené Brown

“A strong woman understands that the gifts such as logic, decisiveness, and strength are just as feminine as intuition and emotional connection. She values and uses all of her gifts.” –Nancy Rathburn

“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me.” –Ayn Rand

“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.” –Madeleine Albright

“I’ve never met a woman who is not strong, but sometimes they don’t let it out. Then there’s a tragedy, and then all of a sudden that strength comes. My message is let the strength come out before the tragedy.” –Diane von Furstenberg

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” –Judy Garland

“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” –Ella Fitzgerald

“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” –Marie Curie

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” –Eleanor Roosevelt

“Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe.” –Oprah Winfrey

I invite you to share this post with your friends on Facebook and Twitter to help spread these beautiful, affirming messages to another woman who may need to hear them today.

Do you have a favorite women’s empowerment quotation I left off this post? Did one of these quotes speak to you in a special way today? Connect with me on Facebook or Twitter to share your favorites and your unique insights.