Once a month, I will feature a woman, historical or modern day, who exemplifies what it means to be an empowered woman in her own unique way. Her story will inspire and guide you as you learn to unearth your own inner Goddess.

Want to share another empowered woman's story? Please submit your Goddess Spotlight nomination by clicking on the link on this page.

2008-07-10

Wow! Who knew that all I had to do was pose some thought-provoking questions to get so many nominations for the Goddess Spotlight?!?!?! I received a record number of submissions this month and it was no easy task deciding who to feature in our Goddess Spotlight.

While every submission was very moving, inspiring and honest, Amanda's was extra special! She is just beginning her journey into womanhood (she's 18!), but she seems to be wise beyond her years. Usually, we dub young women "Goddess-in-Training" or "Baby Goddess", but I think Amanda deserves to be a full-fledged, fully-expressed Goddess! Please read below for Amanda's wonderful submission.

Congrats on being in our Goddess Spotlight this month, Amanda!

Don't despair if you weren't selected this month. Because I received so many submissions, I will definitely be highlighting many of them in the upcoming months. Be sure to check in to see if you've been selected. Keep Shining Goddesses! Tomiko



1. Name one word that describes you.
Strong. There are many, many things I know I am not, but strong is not one of them. At the age of 18, I have already been through a lot in my life, and I am proud to still be standing here today, with my head held high, and a big smile on my face. Smiling is my favorite thing to do. I have learned to deal with sadness without letting it bring me all the way down and stopping me. I love moving onto the better things that are always ahead....there is a light at the end of every tunnel.

2. What advice would you give to women on how to become empowered?
There is so much advice I would want to give women on how to become empowered. My main advice would be to just love yourself. Love who you are, love how you feel, love what you look like. Love being the person you are. Be happy with who you are and do not change for anybody. Society has put us in a place where many believe that looks and money are the types of things that make us happy.. this is so untrue. It is about what is inside of you, your heart, your mind, your body and your soul. Walking around with your head high, and a smile on your face, shows the world that you truly are an empowered goddess.

3. What is the most challenging obstacle you've overcome and how?
The most challenging obstacle I've overcome is that "what will others think" factor. I use to dress, speak, eat, do everything the way I thought others expected me to. I was a follower, not a leader. As I have grown older, this has definitely changed. I am now doing things for me and only caring what myself and God thinks about my actions.

4. Name one woman that inspires you and why.
Oprah Winfrey. Who doesn't she inspire? From the age of 9, I have been telling any and everyone that when I grow up, Oprah is the type of woman I would want to become. Now, I do not want to become her. I want to become my own person while doing the amazing things that she does. I love the fact that she doesn't sit around and watch all the tragedy and poverty going on in the world. She is out doing something about it.

5. What is your motto?
"Be who you are, and say what you feel, cause those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind". I am a strong believer in the "don't care when other people judge you". The ones that matter to you never would. Those are the people you need in your life..... the ones that bring a positive atmosphere.

6. What advice would you give "3 year old you"?
When you are older, be YOU. There will be people in your life that will want to change you.. remember to always be yourself. That is what you were put on this Earth to do.

7. What does "Empowered" mean to you?
left unanswered

8. How has being in The Goddess Gathering affected your life (if applicable)?
While I have never been to a gathering, I have been an avid visitor on the Facebook group and Goddess Gathering website. The Goddess Group has helped me appreciate myself as a woman more. It has helped me be able to look in the mirror and smile. It has told me that loving myself is such an important thing to do, and it can make you such a happier person, as it has made me. The thought of this gathering makes me so happy to be a woman.. it gives true meaning to the word "goddess" which I feel all women should realize that they are.

9. Share one thing you are hoping to accomplish in your lifetime.
As I said, the qualities and giving ability that Oprah has, is what I would love to have when I am older. I hope to accomplish my dream of going to places all over the world where people are much less fortunate than many of us today. I want to help.. I want to make people laugh, I want to make people smile. I want to feel as though I am doing something to help others in the world.

10. What are you most proud of yourself about?
I am proud of becoming the type of woman that doesn't change for other people. No matter who I am around, I try to always just be ME. This has helped me in many situations, where I would have once gotten awkward and said or done things that I thought other people would want to hear or see. I am proud that I stick to my morals, my beliefs, and that I stay true to myself. I hope this is something I carry with me forever.