All women do have a different sense of sexuality, or sense of

"All women do have a different sense of sexuality, or sense of fun, or sense of like what's sexy or cool or tough." These words, spoken by Angelina Jolie, offer a profound insight into the diversity and individuality of women. In this statement, Jolie celebrates the uniqueness of each woman’s identity, particularly in how they express their sexuality, their strength, and their sense of fun. She acknowledges that there is no single, monolithic way to be a woman, and that each one possesses a distinct and valid way of understanding herself. Sexuality, like beauty and strength, is not a universal trait, but a deeply personal journey shaped by culture, experience, and self-perception.

In ancient civilizations, women were often seen through the lens of idealized archetypes, their roles and expressions carefully dictated by the expectations of society. The Greeks, with their myths and gods, celebrated the many faces of femininity—from the nurturing Demeter, to the warrior-like Athena, to the seductive Aphrodite. These goddesses embodied the diverse expressions of what it meant to be a woman, each representing different aspects of strength, beauty, and power. Aphrodite, for example, was not simply the goddess of love and beauty but was also seen as a force of sensuality, representing a woman's ability to own her sexuality without shame or constraint. In her, we see that sexuality and empowerment are not single dimensions of womanhood—they are multifaceted, like the many aspects of Aphrodite's character.

Consider, too, the stories of Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, whose allure, intelligence, and power shaped her reign. Her sense of what was sexy, cool, and tough was undeniably tied to her cunning, her charisma, and her strategic alliances. Cleopatra's sexuality was not about submission, but about asserting power and using it to her advantage in the political arena. She is a reminder that a woman’s sense of herself is not simply defined by her appearance or how others perceive her, but by how she chooses to express her own power and autonomy. Cleopatra, much like Jolie’s statement, rejected the notion that all women should conform to a single ideal of femininity, instead embracing the idea that strength and sex appeal can coexist in many forms.

Jolie's statement, however, also brings to light the evolution of female self-expression throughout history. In modern times, society has tried to impose standards—from media portrayals of beauty to the expectations placed upon women in various walks of life. Yet, women have always found ways to break free from these constraints, to redefine what it means to be a woman on their own terms. Frida Kahlo, the renowned artist, is another example of a woman who transcended societal standards. Her art, her appearance, and her sexuality defied convention, and in doing so, she created a unique and unapologetic narrative for herself. Kahlo’s strength lay in her ability to embrace her individuality, to craft a sense of beauty and toughness that was entirely her own, refusing to be defined by others.

The lesson we take from this, as Jolie’s words suggest, is that every woman is unique, and every woman’s expression of herself is valid, no matter how it may differ from another's. To attempt to confine womanhood to a single, narrow definition is to ignore the richness and complexity of each woman’s identity. There is no singular “right” way to be sexy, cool, or tough. These qualities are subjective and personal, shaped by a woman’s experiences, beliefs, and desires. The true beauty of femininity lies in this diversity—in the freedom for each woman to express herself authentically, without the burden of societal expectations.

As you walk through life, let this wisdom guide you: embrace the diversity of womanhood and celebrate the unique expression that you bring to the world. Do not conform to the standards set by others, but rather, create your own sense of what it means to be strong, beautiful, and powerful. Just as Cleopatra, Frida Kahlo, and Angelina Jolie have done, allow yourself the freedom to define who you are, and to express your sexuality, your strength, and your fun in a way that feels true to you. Your sense of self is yours to discover and express, and no one can tell you what that should look like. The beauty of being a woman is that there are endless ways to embody that identity, each as valuable and powerful as the next.