Happy 64th Madonna – To all those women who feel persecuted, alone and judged, we give you 5 Takeaways From Her Memorable Speech in 2016 where she was named Billboard Woman of The Year.
Madonna is a name which needs no introduction. An 80s star, an icon and an institution herself has made her way to the top with her hard work and dedication to her craft. Till today, her hits such as ‘Like A Virgin, ‘Papa Don’t Preach,’ ‘Material Girl ‘ are heard all year round worldwide by millions.
She’s a star whose story is known by few, and if you know her story, you know of her struggles and the obstacles she endured but never gave up. Inspiring, right? In 2016, she was awarded with Billboard’s Woman of the Year Award and gave a speech which made waves. Here are 5 takeaways from the speech which made us love and respect her more.
1. Seek Out Strong Women To Befriend, To Align Yourself With
“As women, we have to start appreciating our own worth and each other’s worth. Seek out strong women to befriend, to align yourself with, to learn from, to collaborate with, to be inspired by, to support, and enlightened by”
Good company, a healthy social circle can do wonders. Ladies, surround yourself with people who love you for you, support, love you no matter what. Positive vibes all the way. Standing by one another makes us realize our worth and potential, as well as other’s.
2. I Am Vulnerable & In Life There Is No Safety Except For Self-Belief
“It was 1979 and New York was a very scary place. In the first year I was held at gunpoint, raped on a rooftop with a knife digging into my throat and I had my apartment broken into and robbed so many times I stopped locking the door. In the years that followed, I lost almost every friend I had to AIDS or drugs or gunshots. As you can imagine all these unexpected events not only helped me become the daring woman that stands before you but it also reminded me that I am vulnerable and in life there is no safety except for self-belief.”
Starting from scratch, facing hurdle, coming through them is never easy. Madonna faced it all but with self belief, determination and inner strength, she broke down the barriers and made her way out. For those struggling, in a turmoil, this is proof you can overcome all and live up to your dreams and potential. You go girl!
3. I’m Still Standing
“I think the most controversial thing I have ever done is to stick around. Michael is gone. Tupac is gone. Prince is gone. Whitney is gone. Amy Winehouse is gone. David Bowie is gone. But I’m still standing. I’m one of the lucky ones and every day I count my blessings.”
Standing despite all the odds. That’s what it’s all about. An icon among icons indeed!
4. You Have No Idea How Much Your Support Means
“It’s not so much about receiving this award as it is having this opportunity to stand before you and say thank you. Not only to the people who have loved and supported me along the way, you have no idea…you have no idea how much your support means”
She owes it to her fans, followers and those who believed her. We all need this kind of support too!
5. Woman That I Am Today
“But to the doubters and naysayers and everyone who gave me hell and said I could not, that I would not or I must not — your resistance made me stronger, made me push harder, made me the fighter that I am today. It made me the woman that I am today. So thank you.”
To sum it up: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Madonna’s living proof of it.
What’s your favorite takeaway? Oh and name that Madonna song you have on your playlist too!
