30 Kick-Ass Quotes for Women in Their 30's

Wise words from women on life, relationships, and finding your calling.

I’ve heard it said that women “peak” in their forties and then it’s all UPHILL from there. As a thirty-five-year-old woman, I have a feeling that’s true.

So here are thirty quotes for women who haven’t reached their peak yet. Enjoy.

On Being True to Yourself

“Never apologize for who you are. It lets the whole world down.” Jen Sincero

“You don’t become what you want, you become what you believe.” Oprah Winfrey

“One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others would want you to be, rather than being yourself.” Shannon L. Alder

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else.” Judy Garland

“We must not allow other people’s limited perceptions to define us.” Virginia Satir

Judy Garland’s quote stands out to me because we can only ever be a second-rate version of someone else. I love having mentors and friends that I look up to, but when I get into comparison mode, I feel small and insignificant. I’d rather work on being the best “me” I can be than be a second-rate anything, wouldn’t you?

On Conquering Fear

“Worry is a prayer for chaos.” Gabrielle Bernstein

“Talk unbelief, and you will have unbelief; but talk faith, and you will have faith. According to the seed sown will be the harvest.” Ellen G. White, Cofounder of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” Helen Keller

“To become a success, your desire has to be greater than your fear.” Rita Davenport

“Instead of fretting about getting everything done, why not simply accept that being alive means having things to do? Then drop into full engagement with whatever you’re doing, and let the worry go.” Martha Beck

I love what Martha Beck said. I used to be someone who worried about having things to do. I’d get overwhelmed by my to-do list and goals. Now that I’ve accepted that “being alive means having things to do”, I feel more at ease about where I am and excited about where I’m going.

On Money

“Lasting net worth comes only when you have a healthy and strong sense of self-worth.” Suze Orman

“Money isn’t everything, but it ranks right up there with oxygen.” Rita Davenport

“The two most beautiful words in the English language are ‘cheque enclosed.’” Dorothy Parker

“Money is of value for what it buys, and in love it buys time, place, intimacy, comfort, and a private corner alone.” Mae West

“I think the girl who is able to earn her own living and pay her own way should be as happy as anybody on Earth. The sense of independence and security is very sweet.” Susan B. Anthony

Susan B. Anthony is a hero for so many reasons. When I found this quote, I thought, “Wow, what a beautiful statement about the power of women to step into our destiny and take ownership of our lives.”

I’ll be honest: I live with my parents right now. I haven’t yet achieved the level of income to pay my own way, but I’m getting there, day by day. Susan B. Anthony’s quote serves as inspiration for the journey.

On Abundance in All Areas of Life

“Choose joyful abundance in your heart and be unbounded, free, and relaxed. Be relentless with your choice and you’ll make your mark.” Amy Leigh Mercree

“The key to abundance is meeting limited circumstances with unlimited thoughts.” Marianne Williamson

“Abundance is about being rich, with or without money.” Suze Orman

“I am one with the Power that created me. I am totally open and receptive to the abundant flow of prosperity that the Universe offers. All my needs and desires are met before I even ask. I am Divinely guided and protected, and I make choices that are beneficial for me. I rejoice in other’s successes, knowing there is plenty for us all.” Louise Hay

“The fastest way to bring more wonderful examples of abundance into your personal experience is to take constant notice of the wonderful things that are already there.” Esther Hicks

I love Louise Hay’s affirmations, both here and in her books. I fully believe in the power of affirmations to change our minds, and therefore, the direction of our lives. I especially like that she encourages us to “rejoice in other’s successes.”

Society encourages women (and everyone) to compete with each other at all costs. Louise Hay invites us into a spiritual understanding of the Universe, one that includes guidance, protection, and abundance for all life. I feel so much better just reading her words.

On Relationships

“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” Anais Nin

“We can improve our relationships with others by leaps and bounds if we become encouragers instead of critics.” Joyce Meyer

“Do not bring people in your life who weigh you down, and trust your instincts. Good relationships feel good. They feel right. They don’t hurt. They’re not painful. That’s not just with somebody you want to marry, but it’s with the friends you choose. It’s with the people you surround yourself with.” Michelle Obama

“If someone lacked decency or respect, I didn’t allow that person to stay in my world.” Gabrielle Union

“I always deserve the best treatment because I never put up with any other.” Jane Austen

Do you know who Joyce Meyer is? She’s a Christian preacher with a t.v. show called “Enjoying Everyday Life.” My mom and I used to watch her in the early mornings before breakfast when I was in high school.

Since then, I’ve earned an M.A. in Religion with an emphasis in Biblical Interpretation. While I disagree with some of Joyce Meyers’s theology, I think she’s right on with this quote.

I’ll add this: let’s make a daily commitment to encourage other women.

On Finding Your Calling

“To love what you do and feel like it matters, how could anything be more fun?” Katherine Graham, first American female Fortune 500 CEO

“Careers are a jungle gym, not a ladder.” Sheryl Sandberg

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer.” Harriet Tubman

“There are lots of opportunities out there for women to work in these fields; girls just need support, encouragement and mentoring to follow through with the sciences.” Sally Ride, first American female to go into space

“None of us can know what we are capable of until we are tested.” Elizabeth Blackwell, first woman to graduate from medical school in the U.S.

I gasped when I read Sheryl Sandberg’s quote. I thought, “oh my gosh, careers ARE a jungle gym!” This image might feel overwhelming to some, but I find it comforting.

As a grad student turned employee turned entrepreneur, I can attest to the truth of Sandberg’s statement. In our work, we can pivot and turn and redirect our efforts throughout our lives. And we’re never too young or too old to make changes and live the life of our dreams.