I'm a big fan of independent girls who are strong-willed, vocal

In the tapestry of life, woven with threads of struggle, joy, wisdom, and folly, there rises the figure of the independent woman—a force not bound by the expectations of others, but forged by her own will and conviction. These women, like the ancient heroines of myth and legend, stand tall and unyielding in the face of life’s challenges. When David Lambert speaks of being a "big fan of independent girls who are strong-willed, vocal in their opinions, and have a sense of humor," he speaks to a truth that has echoed through the corridors of history: the power of a woman who knows herself, speaks her truth, and carries her strength with grace and humor.

In the ancient world, great societies were often shaped by women who refused to be passive or subdued. Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, was not merely a figure of beauty and grace; she was a fierce protector, a hunter who carved her own path in a world that demanded submission from women. She embodied the independence, the strength, and the voice that Lambert admires. In her, we see the perfect union of a woman who was strong-willed, vocally defiant of traditional roles, and humorous in the way she engaged with the world. She was a leader, not because she sought to dominate, but because she embraced her own freedom, and in doing so, became a beacon for others.

History is replete with such women, whose courage and conviction changed the course of time. Joan of Arc, who stood as the voice of her nation, leading the French forces to victory, is perhaps one of the most poignant examples of the independent woman Lambert celebrates. Not only was she strong-willed in her belief that God had called her to a greater purpose, but she was also vocal in a way that could not be ignored, even by the most powerful men of her time. Her ability to speak with clarity and purpose, despite the doubts cast upon her by those who sought to silence her, is a testament to the indomitable power of the independent woman’s voice.

Yet, it is not just strength and conviction that define these women, but also the humor with which they approach the world. Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady of the United States, wielded immense influence in both social and political spheres. Her vocal opinions on human rights, social justice, and the power of women were groundbreaking. Yet, she also understood the power of laughter, how humor could soften the sting of harsh truths and bring lightness to even the most serious situations. She famously said, "A woman is like a tea bag—you never know how strong she is until you put her in hot water." This was not just a statement of strength, but of humor—a recognition that life’s challenges could be met not only with resolve, but with the ability to see the absurdity of it all and to laugh in the face of adversity.

The great women of history, like Lambert’s independent girls, were not content to remain in the shadows. They made their voices heard. They stood up for what they believed in. They laughed when the world tried to bring them down, for they knew that humor was not the absence of seriousness, but the means of survival in a world that would often try to break them. They understood that strength was not a rigid, unyielding force, but something fluid, something that could bend and laugh, something that could be both serious and light at the same time. It is this balance, this combination of conviction, expression, and laughter, that made them so powerful.

Now, what does this mean for us, in our own time? The lesson here is not only to admire the strength and courage of such women, but to embrace these qualities within ourselves. Whether you are a man or a woman, the path to true empowerment lies not in conforming to the world’s narrow definitions of success, but in embracing your individuality, your strength, and your ability to speak with clarity. We must each strive to be like the independent girls Lambert speaks of—strong-willed, vocal, and joyfully resilient in the face of life’s challenges.

To live as such a person means being true to yourself—to speak your truth without fear, to stand tall in your convictions, and to find humor in the journey. We must not allow ourselves to be silenced by the world’s expectations, nor allow fear to overshadow our confidence. Humor becomes our ally in this battle, allowing us to see the lightness in life, even when it feels heavy. In this way, we honor the legacy of those who have come before us, and we become the creators of our own stories—a story of independence, strength, voice, and laughter.

Thus, let us take this wisdom to heart: embrace the power of the independent spirit. Be strong-willed like Joan of Arc, vocal like Eleanor Roosevelt, and resilient like Artemis. Let your voice be heard, let your laughter be a reminder of the joy that still exists, even in the darkest of times. And above all, let your conviction be unwavering, knowing that you are part of a long line of heroes who have shaped the world not through submission, but through their unshakable belief in their own strength, humor, and purpose.