Emily Dickinson is one of the American poets I have loved over my years. As a high school student, I can remember reading and studying her poetry, as well as others. I so enjoyed learning about all of the talented writers.

My favorite quotes from Emily Dickinson include:

• “Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all.”
• “Dwell in possibility.”
• “Beauty is not caused. It is.”
• “Saying nothing…sometimes says the most.”

Mother Teresa is revered for her lifelong dedication to others, most notably to the poor masses of India. Her compassion and devotion to this work saved nearly 8,000 lives earning her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Her service leadership always inspired me to want more for others. The words she shares continue to inspire and encourage continued work to serve. My favorite quotes from her are many, but I will narrow my list to include:

• “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.”
• “What I can do, you cannot. What you can do, I cannot. But together, we can do something beautiful for God.”
• “It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters.”
• “A life not lived for others is not a life.”
• “We fear the future because we are wasting today.”

Rosa Parks has always spoken the word courage to me. In 1955, she refused to give up her seat on the bus. I studied in school about Civil Rights Movements and the work completed by many to flighty for equity in America. Social injustice and a nation divided, this small voice became the most vital voice by simply not giving in. The actions of Rosa Parks gave thousands of individuals the courage to speak up and out. My favorite quotes include:

• “One person can change the world.”
• “Each person must live their life as a model for others.”
• “I believe there is only one race – the human race.”
• “Memories of our lives, of our works, and our deeds will continue in others.”

There are many women who share words of wisdom, providing inspiration, motivation, and courage. I can continue to add thousands of names—some of the women known world-wide and some known only by a few. You may be one of those women or you may know a woman who falls into this description. Take a few moments to think about the women you know or have known who have/had an impact on your life. Have you had the chance to tell them? Take this moment to drop them a note, give them a call or an email. Let women know the impact they have provided.

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