International Women's Day

Today is the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day!

In honor of this day, I am going to share some of my favorite women who are truly making/made a difference in the world.

Anna Pavlova was a Russian ballerina in the early 20th century. She is considered one of the greatest classical ballerinas and she was the first to tour ballet around the world.

"What exactly is success? For me it is not to be found in applause, but in the satisfaction of feeling that one is realizing one's ideal." - Anna Pavlova

I  ♥ ♥ ♥  Jane Austen. 

"Give a girl an education and introduce her properly into the world, and ten to one but she has the means of settling well, without further expense to anybody."   -Jane Austen

"We women have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something. We have to learn to be content with what we are."

"The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache."


-Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Teresa Scanlan is our current Miss America! 

The Miss American organization is an incredible one, and gave over $45 million in scholarships to girls all over the United States last year. I feel so blessed to serve in an organization that encourages young women to gain additional life experience, work on issues of importance to society, enhance personal and professional skills, and develop  performance-related and other talents.

 I love being Miss South Jordan!

Barbara Barrington Jones changed my life last year when she came and spoke at state Junior Miss week! Her story is amazing! Read her books. Stalk her website. She is incredible.

J.K. Rowling is the perfect example of a rags to riches story. 

She went from writing her stories on napkins at a cafe, to selling billions of copies of Harry Potter world wide and becoming richer than the queen of England. Thanks for giving me Ron Weasley :)

"It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be."

 -J.K. Rowling 

A post about inspirational women would not be complete without Oprah Winfrey.

She is a great example of humanitarianism, charity, and strength. Oprah has changed the world through her power and influence! 

"Living in the moment brings you a sense of reverence for all of life's blessings." 

-Oprah Winfrey

And finally, Mama Ging! My mom is one of the most remarkable women I know. She is a perfect example of patience, kindness, charity, and true Christ-like love. I am grateful for the choice she made to serve a mission in Rome and meet a certain Elder Hyde... She has always been such a devoted wife and mother. I admire her desire for knowledge as she is finishing her last year of graduate school to become a librarian! I love my Mama. I hope I can be half the woman she is someday :)

Women have the power to change the world, and there is nothing that our world needs more than strong, confident women. Celebrate the amazing women in your life today, and everyday! Happy International Women's Day!