Helen Keller was the first person that was both deaf and blind to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, which she received from Radcliffe College in 1904. The story of her journey and her struggles, as she battled to break free from the isolation of her world and into a world where she was able to communicate, was told through the well-known play and film The Miracle Worker.
Her story is truly inspirational. In her lifetime, she was an author, a political activist and a lecturer, and she campaigned for women's suffrage and labor rights, among other things.
And, she's well known for being the author of the following inspirational and wise words:
“Security is mostly a superstition. It doesn’t exist in nature nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is a daring adventure or nothing.”
"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched -- they must be felt with the heart."
"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us."
"Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost."
"You don't love someone for their looks, or their clothes, or for their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear."
Who inspires you? I'd love to hear from you. If you would like to write about an inspirational woman in your life, please reach out via my Contact Page and we'll add you post to our series.
Photo: Wikimedia