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12 Hillary Clinton Quotes That Prove You Shouldn't Pause Your Dreams For Anyone

by Vanisha Maisuria
REUTERS

Women have endured many battles in society in gaining equal rights.

From getting the right to vote to being able to enter the workforce, these changes were only possible because of the dreams women had for themselves and for the rest of us.

If it wasn't for the dreamers, we women would not be where we are today with our rights. Sure, we are still a work-in-progress toward full equality, but progress over the decades has been made.

Along with progress, history is being made with Hillary Clinton in this year's election. As the first female presidential candidate for a major party in United States history, she is giving women everywhere the message they can make a difference and create change.

If she becomes president, she will not only be a voice for women in politics, but an inspiration to women everywhere who have dreams and aspirations for themselves.

Here are a few of Clinton's words we should all keep in mind for ourselves when it comes to never quitting on what you want to achieve in life for anyone other than yourself.

1. "Barriers can come down."

Yes, there are still ceilings to break—for women and men, for all Americans. But don't let anyone tell you that great things can't happen in America. Barriers can come down. Justice and equality can win.

2. "When you're knocked down, get right back up."

Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. And, when you stumble, keep faith. And, when you're knocked down, get right back up and never listen to anyone who says you can't or shouldn't go on.

3. "The advancement... of women and girls... is the great unfinished business of the 21st century."

As I have said and as I believe, the advancement of the full participation of women and girls in every aspect of their societies is the great unfinished business of the 21st century.

4. "Things... do work out."

There is a sense that things, if you keep positive and optimistic about what can be done, do work out.

5. "How you respond... is in your control."

I think that if you live long enough, you realize that so much of what happens in life is out of your control, but how you respond to it is in your control. That's what I try to remember.

6. "We must go forward together or not at all."

Every moment wasted looking back, keeps us from moving forward... In this world and the world of tomorrow, we must go forward together or not at all.

7. "Yes, you can be anything you want."

To every little girl who dreams big: Yes, you can be anything you want -- even president.

8. Be fearless.

Be as fearless as the women whose stories you have applauded.

9. Seize your opportunities.

Part of the great challenge of living is defining yourself in your moment, of seizing the opportunities that you are given, and of making the very best choices you can.

10. "You have to be true to yourself."

You have to be true to yourself. You have to be enough in touch with who you are and what you want, how you want to live and what's important to you, to make your decisions based on that. Sometimes that's very difficult.

11. You can learn something from just about everyone.

I always believed you could learn something from nearly everybody you meet, if you're open to it.

12. "Fear is always with us, but we just don't have time for it."

We are, all of us, exploring a world that none of us even understands...searching for more immediate, ecstatic, and penetrating modes of living... The struggle for an integrated life existing in an atmosphere of communal trust and respect is one with desperately important political and social consequences... Fear is always with us, but we just don't have time for it. Not now.

Let Clinton's words be a reminder that no matter what you want to accomplish in life, make it happen for yourself. Never stop dreaming or believing that anything is possible as long as you put your mind and entire heart into it.

Be inspired and go be that change in the world for all of us!

Citations: The 25 Most Inspiring Hillary Clinton Quotes (Marie Claire), Hillary: “Deep-seated … religious beliefs” have to be changed for abortion (HotAir), Remarks at the Women in the World Summit (US Department of State), The Hillary Clinton Guide To Being An Empowered Woman (Huffington Post), Hillary Clinton Fully Understands Your Struggle To Get Ready In The Morning (Huffington Post), 17 Hillary Clinton Quotes To Make You Feel Truly Empowered (Marie Claire), Hillary D. Rodham's 1969 Student Commencement Speech (Wellesley College)