Three Women Who Inspire Me to Live My Best Life

This year, ahead of International Women’s Day, I find myself reflecting on the many incredible women who have shaped my thinking, inspired my choices, and encouraged me to step into the fullest version of myself. Of course I have family and friends who would fit on this list, but I’m zooming out so that by sharing about these three women you might find yourself inspired to get to know them and live your best life too! Some of them I’ve never met, some feel like close friends (even if only through books and podcasts), and others lived long before my time. But all of them have left a lasting imprint on how I view courage,
self-worth, and the power of living authentically.

1. Brené Brown – Embracing Imperfection & Living Wholeheartedly

If you know me, you know I love Brené Brown. She’s a research professor, best-selling author, and one of the world’s leading voices on vulnerability, courage, and shame resilience. Her TED Talk on The Power of Vulnerability is iconic, but it was her book The Gifts of Imperfection that truly changed the way I see myself and the way I want to live my life.

In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené introduces the idea of Wholehearted Living—embracing our imperfections, letting go of the need for approval, and allowing ourselves to be deeply seen. One of my favorite quotes from the book is:

"Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.”

This is something I come back to again and again. It’s a reminder that I don’t have to be perfect to be worthy, that I can step into my truth even when it feels scary, and that vulnerability is where true connection begins.

Another powerful quote I keep coming back to is, 

“The dark does not destroy the light; it defines it. It’s our fear of the dark that casts our joy into the shadows.”

It reminds me that letting go of my fears can bring me closer to joy. Letting go of a scarcity mindset can lead to a life in abundance.

Key lesson from Brené Brown: Embracing imperfection and living wholeheartedly is what makes life meaningful.

2. Sophie Dear – Finding My Way Back to Myself

I first came across Sophie Dear through her work in yoga and well-being during lockdown, but it was her Self-Worth School that truly transformed how I see myself. Being part of this community—this sisterhood—has been one of the most powerful and supportive experiences of my life.

Through the Self-Worth School, I’ve learned (and am still learning!) how to challenge the deeply ingrained beliefs that tell me I need to be more—more productive, more successful, more something—in order to be enough. I’ve started rewriting my self-talk, letting go of old conditioning, and slowly but surely, stepping into a more authentic version of myself. I subscribe to Sophie’s Substack, which is also a great resource in terms of tools and approaches that can help me live my best life.

Sophie’s work has given me the tools—and more importantly, the courage—to truly listen to myself. To trust that I don’t need to prove my worth. To believe that just as I am, right here, right now, I am enough. It’s a journey, and I’m still on it, but I finally feel like I’m walking in the right direction.

Key lesson from Sophie: True self-worth comes from within, and the journey of working on myself, for myself, has been the most empowering part of rediscovering who I truly am.

3. Hilma af Klint – Ahead of Her Time & Unapologetically Herself

Hilma af Klint was a Swedish artist and spiritualist whose abstract paintings predated Kandinsky, yet she remained largely unrecognized until decades after her death. Her work was bold, innovative, and deeply personal—drawing from spirituality, science, and nature. She trusted her own creative vision, even when the world wasn’t ready for it.

Hilma’s story is a reminder to create, explore, and express yourself without waiting for external validation. She inspires me to embrace intuition, trust my own path, and understand that sometimes, being ahead of your time is a good thing.

Key lesson from Hilma: Create for the sake of creation—your voice, vision, and ideas matter, even if the world doesn’t recognize them right away.

What These Women Have in Common

While they come from different backgrounds and eras, what unites these women is their deep commitment to living authentically. They each, in their own way, remind me to embrace imperfection, trust the process, and live with more courage and joy.

On this International Women’s Day, I encourage you to reflect on the women who inspire you. Who has shaped the way you see yourself and the world? Who has given you permission and an invitation—through their words, art, or actions—to step into your best life?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment and share the women who have inspired you!

Much love, J xx