How Shonda Rhimes Taught Me To Be A Badass | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

How Shonda Rhimes Taught Me To Be A Badass

It's all in your words.

197
How Shonda Rhimes Taught Me To Be A Badass

It wasn’t until recently that I became conscious of the power my speech has in my relationships with others. While much emphasis is placed on the tone that we use in conversations, I have become more fascinated with the language that I choose. This shift in focus is due to my reading of Shonda Rhimes’ memoir “Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person." Rhimes is the creator and showrunner of the television shows “Grey’s Anatomy”and “Scandal.”

In her book she discusses her shift from a mindset of “no” to one of “yes” and her willingness to accept herself and her achievements.

One chapter that had a profound effect on me. It discussed a person’s inability, particularly women, to accept compliments and praise. Rhimes discussed an awards dinner she went to that was celebrating women in Hollywood. She remarked that the overwhelming sentiment of those being awarded was that it was all due to luck and with almost no achievement of their own. She writes, Not a single woman in the room could handle being told, ‘You’re awesome.’ I couldn’t handle being told I am awesome. What in the hell is wrong with us?”

Rhimes continues on to describe the necessity of ownership of our accomplishments. She emphasizes the line between confidence and narcissism. Of course, we cannot achieve everything on our own and we must give those who help us their much-earned credit. But we also have to acknowledge our self-worth and our talents.

“I am not lucky. You know what I am? I am smart, I am talented, I take advantage of the opportunities that come my way and I work really, really hard. Don’t call me lucky. Call me a badass.”

This has become my inner mantra. I am conscious of what I say and I deliberately try to only make declarative statements when speaking and writing about my thoughts and opinions. I don’t want to undermine my own feelings by bookending my words with phrases like “I’m not sure…” or “I don’t know, though…” I want to be sure of everything I say and to feel OK with being opinionated.

The problem of self-editing and second-guessing is pervasive in our culture, especially among women. It’s upsetting because that inhibits many awesome opinions and ideas from being heard. After reading Rhimes’ book, though, I am more optimistic that this trend might be changing. There are many more examples and images of strong, opinionated women in our society and they provide the perfect backdrop for confident women and girls in the world. No one is truly free from fear and uncertainty but just a change of language can transform our personal identity.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

124424
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

27484
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

25664
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments