Olivia Pope is TV’s queen of Pinterest-ready inspiration. Nobody has quicker comebacks, sharper statements, or wiser words to live by. She lives to bring out the best in everyone, including herself. We could all learn a thing (or ten) from her.
1. “I am many things, stupid is not one of them.”
Never let anyone talk down to you or devalue who you are. Stand up for yourself with dignified grace and defend your intelligence, skills, and character.
2. “Normal is overrated.”
There’s no benefit from blending in. The greatest impact you will ever make will come when you stick to who you are and stand in your truth.
3. “I am not the girl the guy gets at the end of the movie. I am not a fantasy. If you want me, earn me.”
It’s simple: nothing worth having comes easy. Be ready and willing to put in the work to get what you want and expect others to do the same.
4. “I’m very good at what I do. I am better at it than anyone else. And that is not arrogance, that is a fact.”
To be a Gladiator, you’ve got to have confidence and Olivia has enough to go around. Resist the urge to be shy about your skills and take pride in your prowess.
5. “If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. But you have to try because if you leap and you try and it doesn’t work out, it’s not on you.”
Don’t let fear of failure keep you from taking any risks at all. Trust yourself and take that leap.
6. “I don’t need protecting. I am not the girl you save. I am fine.”
There’s no damsel-in-distress dynamic in any aspect of Olivia’s life. She doesn’t need a hero because she is the hero.
7. “I am never out of options.”
It’s all about resilience. Rise above getting discouraged when the road gets rough. There is always an answer and another way around.
8. “I’m choosing me. I’m choosing Olivia. And right now, Olivia is dancing. You can dance with me or you can get off my dance floor. I’m fine dancing alone.”
The ultimate Miss Independent mantra. Olivia doesn’t let the confusion and chaos of her love life keep her from letting loose and living it up. You shouldn’t either.
9. “I don’t want normal and easy and simple. I want painful, difficult, devastating, life-changing, extraordinary love.”
Stop settling for less than earth-shattering and exquisite in your relationships, career, and personal pursuits. You deserve the very best.
10. “It’s handled.”
The fiercest catchphrase on television. It’s a sign of strength and certainty in the midst of doubt. Show a little self-belief and never let them see you sweat.
