Women of Strength and Conviction

(a very incomplete list)

aya Angelou

I find in myself the desire to think before I speak, before I act, before I cause more harm than good with word or deed. In Maya, I see the soul of someone who has accepted herself and is comfortable in thought and action, in expression and passion. The power of the words she shares with others and the manner in which she chooses to share them is rarely equaled.

her

To hell with the rest of the world.  Personal style, choice, and attitude are for the self and the pleasure of self, and the rest of you can just enjoy the window dressing.

eline Dion

Aside from the sheer power of her voice, and the vitality of her performance, she has the enviable trait of seeming to discover each moment anew in a most childlike and beautiful manner.

elissa Etheridge

One can remain a hidden child, wrapped in the fears of youth, or one can shout for joy and breath as Melissa does with her  songs.  Her charismatic performance is shaped by the absolute conviction of her every note.

odie Foster

She is driven with the soul of one who must do-think-be-create-make-evolve.  And if, in the process, she achieves something in the eyes of others, well, good for them, but there's always more to do-think-be-create-make-evolve...and say.

hoopi Goldberg

Infinite sadness and mirth tumble endlessly together in this powerhouse of strength and conviction, and neither alone would make half the woman the combination does.

oldie Hawn

The epitome of cheerfulness at every turn, she pays no attention to assumptions and stereotypes pressed upon her and instead, simply enjoys life.

prah Winfrey The Oprah Winfrey Show

Whether I agree with her religious convictions or not, I support her right to garner strength where it comes to her. Her decision to use her influence for such enormous good is a beautiful one...the Angel Network and its related projects are a testament not only to what one person can do alone, but to what millions can do together. We need more people with the strength to do what needs to be done.

Men of Peace and Serenity
(also a very incomplete list)

ichard Gere

When sitting with the audience and Oprah Winfrey during her show, he noted that he made a point of thinking "I wish you happiness" towards every person he meets.   As hard as this is, try it for just one week and your outlook will be forever changed.