Who Are the Women in Your Life That Shaped You and Made a Lasting Impact?
Whether it’s family, friends, or other figures in our lives, there are always women who leave a lasting impact on us. These influences can be meaningful or even life-changing, shaping how we see ourselves and the path ahead. Reflecting on the women in my life and the roles they’ve played, I see a foundation of inspiration and support that has profoundly shaped who I am today.
Growing up, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by a close-knit family and inspiring role models throughout my education. In primary school alone, at least eight teachers left a significant imprint on my life. These women went beyond just teaching; they offered support and understanding during my most formative years. Each brought their own unique energy and compassion, allowing me to feel acknowledged and valued.
As a child, my shyness and anxiety often followed me to school, making it difficult to feel at ease. Yet, these teachers took the time to connect with me on a personal level. While connecting with students is part of their role, their efforts were genuine and tailored to each individual's needs. These relationships extended beyond the classroom, profoundly influencing my life. Because of these incredible women, I understand that making meaningful efforts to support others can have a lasting impact, especially on children. Not every child receives the love and encouragement they need at home, so having dedicated teachers like them can make a real difference. They taught me that every encounter matters and has the potential to inspire others.
Beyond the classroom, my family is also full of incredible women, especially my grandmothers. Though they have distinct personalities, they share a common trait: resilience. Their impact on my life has been nothing short of amazing.
My Grandma Cookie, on my mother’s side, is a force of nature who doesn’t take any bullshit—something she herself would say. She’s truly a “tough cookie” in every sense of the phrase. As a mother to four, grandmother to eight, and great-grandmother to eleven, she leads our multi-generational family with grace. Beautiful, independent, and fiercely loyal, she’s never afraid to speak her mind. Whether she’s cooking delicious meals or dressing to impress, she leaves a lasting mark wherever she goes. Her unapologetic authenticity and strength have taught me the importance of self-identity, setting boundaries, and using my voice.
She’s also shown me that material things pale in comparison to the importance of family and togetherness. She is living proof that even when distance separates family, an invisible string ties us together. It’s up to us to make the effort to hold onto those relationships and cherish the time we have with one another. Her unwavering love for her family is truly beautiful, and I admire her deeply. Because of her, family means everything to me. Though distance may have altered the dynamics of my life, I strive to be the glue that holds important relationships together and an inspiring role model to those I love. She is truly a miraculous woman, always putting her family first and never running out of love to give.
On my father’s side, my Grandma Sharon is, quite literally, an angel. She doesn’t even cuss! When she’s really riled up, you might hear her call someone a "jerk," but she seriously doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. My whole life, she has shown nothing but pure love and incredible patience. She’s always forgiving, generous, and kind, never asking for or expecting anything in return. Even the smallest gestures—a thoughtful word or a simple act of service—are met with her heartfelt appreciation. She is beautiful in every possible way and is the true embodiment of positivity and gratitude.
My whole life, I've only ever seen her put others first. Through her actions, she has shown me the true definition of selflessness. She’s more than just a grandmother; she’s a motherly figure to everyone fortunate enough to be in her loving presence. Through her, I’ve learned how to live with kindness, compassion, and an open heart. She’s shown me how to approach each day with a positive outlook and to count my blessings, no matter how small. It’s easy to lose sight of the good in our lives or take it for granted, but she constantly reminds me that there’s always something to be thankful for. Her example has become a guiding light for how I want to interact with the world, reminding me that every day is an opportunity to love, give, and appreciate without expecting anything in return. She is undoubtedly heaven-sent, and there is no one more deserving of love and happiness than her.
Both of these influential women—mothers, sisters, and grandmothers—give every ounce of their hearts to their families, spreading love wherever they go. My grandmothers have filled my childhood with memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Every holiday, family gathering, and moment spent in their presence is precious to me. Having the privilege to not only know them but also learn from and be inspired by them is truly a blessing.
My Godmother is another force to be reckoned with. She has always looked out for me as if I were one of her own. I won’t lie—she could be quite intimidating as a child because she didn’t tolerate any nonsense. However, whenever I was in her care, she had a special way of making me feel completely at ease. Her genuine warmth and kindness made her home a place where I always felt truly welcomed and loved.
Her infectious laugh never fails to light up a room, and let’s just say, she knows how to get down in the kitchen! I’ve always admired her strength, fearlessness, and fierce independence. She carries herself with such pride, loves wholeheartedly, and has a protective nature like no other. While I’ve always been more timid in comparison, she’s shown me what it means to be strong-minded, unyielding, and true to yourself.
She’s the kind of woman who would watch the world burn before letting anything happen to the people she loves. She’s taught me how to tap into that same grit and fire when it comes to standing my ground and protecting those I care about. Tough as nails yet always wearing her heart on her sleeve, her example has been a blessing in my life, inspiring me to embody both tenacity and courage every day.
Of all the women who have impacted my life, one stands above all others—my beautiful mother. Finding the perfect words to express just how amazing she truly is feels almost impossible. She has shaped my life in the most beautiful and profound ways. She’s a firecracker—and not just because of her red hair! She’s fierce, determined, and by far the most empathetic and caring person I know. She’s never afraid to speak her mind or stand up for herself and those around her. She has the biggest heart and always gives without expectation or reason. She always sees the best in people and is never afraid to set clear boundaries.
Throughout my life, she has been my constant supporter, always cheering me on from the stands. Even when I was stubborn and challenged her, she never gave up on me. She’s pushed me to be the best version of myself, embracing every part of me through every phase of my life, no matter the obstacles. Her love has always been unconditional, allowing me to never feel judged or ashamed of who I am. We have a relationship built on trust, and I know I can always count on her to hear me out and be my voice of reason.
Her drive and determination inspire me to work harder each and every day, striving to turn my dreams into reality. Watching her achieve so much in her own life fills me with immense joy, and all I want is for her to continue experiencing the happiness and success she so deeply deserves. I am the woman that I am today because she led by example, showing me the kind of person that I aspire to be. I can’t imagine my life without her, and I wouldn’t change a thing about our journey together.
She has taught me to never give up on myself and to keep working for what I want in life. She’s shown me how to stand up for myself and those I care about. Through her, I’ve learned that hard work pays off and that I can achieve anything that I set my mind to. In my eyes, she is nothing short of superwoman. My appreciation for everything she has done in my life goes beyond words. Every day, her very presence reminds me that I have a new opportunity to do better today than I did yesterday, to make every moment meaningful, and to love fully with my heart on my sleeve.
I am proud of who I am today, and am blessed to know that I will always have her support, no matter what. She has inspired me more than anyone else in this world, with her character and the endless love she has always showered me with. She is beautiful inside and out in every way imaginable and I can only hope that one day I will be able to be at least half of the mother that she has been to me. The one thing I am confident about, is that I’ve had the best role model of what a true mother and impactful influence should be, and I will carry that with me in my heart for the rest of my life.
All these incredible women in my life have deeply shaped me, imparting invaluable lessons and demonstrating the power of staying true to oneself. Their influence extends beyond me, impacting countless others—cousins, friends, and acquaintances alike. Anyone who has had the chance to interact with them can see the remarkable impact they have.
I’ve also been fortunate to grow up alongside a number of amazing women who have since developed into resilient and inspiring individuals themselves. Being able to witness their personal journeys and see them embrace their own individuality and strength has been a true privilege.
Every day, I’m inspired by the beautiful and amazing women who surround me. Watching them thrive fills my heart with joy. These women are living examples of how the prominent role models in our lives shape us into who we are today. We wouldn’t be where we are without the experiences and lessons we’ve gained along the way. I cherish every moment that has led me to where I am and will always hold a special place in my heart for every one of these extraordinary women. ♡
When you reflect on the women in your life and the role they’ve played in your growth, what do you see? Has their impact been positive? How have they shaped who you are today?
