"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. you are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do."
I grew up knowing who Eleanor Roosevelt was and I often fantasized about what her life would have been like. I thought she lived a glamorous life; complete with stunning gowns, classy parties,and romantic evenings spent in the company of a doting husband and magnificent leader (FDR). However, after learning about her life more in depth and reading part of her biography, it quickly became apparent that her life was almost the opposite.
Sure she married a man that would become a very successful politician and she'd have access to an unlimited wardrobe but she did not live a glamorous lifestyle. Her marriage, though supportive and respected, was empty and a charade. Her relationship with FDR was a close friendship and he always looked to her for advice but it was in no way romantic or passionate. When FDR died, his mistress was at his side, and Eleanor had to be summoned from her separate living quarters. Eleanor was not considered to be a "beauty" by society's opinion. She was criticized for her homely looks and out spoken nature.
So how did this woman become a personal hero of mine? I shall tell you.
Because she broke the mold. She was the tallest first lady until Michelle Obama and they share the record at five feet eleven inches. Eleanor Roosevelt had a voice and encouraged thousands of others to find theirs. Instead of silently smiling behind her husband she stood next to him as his counterpart. She had ideas and she let those ideas be known. She stood up, spoke up, and fought for everything she believed to be right. I firmly believe that Eleanor Roosevelt was ahead of her time and had an incredible ability to sense the nation changing before anything occurred.
I admire Eleanor Roosevelt immensely because her wise words have often comforted me. I would consider myself truly lucky if I ever had the opportunity to be in the presence of a anyone as inspired and admired as Eleanor.
Love always,
Christine
The following are some of my favorite quotes by Miss Eleanor :)
"Do what you feel in your heart to be right- for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't."
"Campaign behavior for wives: Always be on time. Do as little talking as humanly possible. Lean back in the parade car so everybody can see the president."
"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people."
"It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness."
