I’ll admit that whenever I’m asked a question like this: my favorite characters from movies or books, famous people who I’d like to have dinner with, anything along these lines – my mind goes blank. I have no idea why, but these are some of the most challenging questions for me and I never feel that strongly about my answer. I’m guessing because as someone who considers herself relatively introverted, I connect most with real people through real experiences. That being the case, I almost skipped this week’s list from The 52 Lists Project.
However, because it’s Golden Globes weekend and I’m making it a point to be more intentional in 2017, I pushed ahead with it and challenged myself to list at least five. Ironically, not a one is a Golden Globe nominee.
So, here’s my list of favorite characters from books, movies and TV.
Bethenny Frankel (Real Housewives). Please don’t judge. While I’m not a fan of her more recently, I do admire her work ethic, business success as an entrepreneur and her ability to unapologetically be herself.
Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games). Her character has the qualities of a strong woman, which made her successful in the game: Focus, Strength, Determination. While in the movie these characteristics worked to her advantage, as women, we often get conflicting messages from society telling us strength and determination are masculine and to be feminine is to be sweet and look pretty. The Hunger Games is a movie that shows having strength of body, mind and spirit is not only attractive but can help you reach your goals, something most of us probably already know, but may sometimes be afraid to own.
Carrie Bradshaw (Sex and the City). I know, I’m choosing some really deep and profound work here, but who doesn’t love Carrie Bradshaw and not for her fashion sense alone. Her character was relatable in a coming-of-age kind of way and on the other side of her trials and tribulations, she ended up stronger than ever.
Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat Pray Love). The word that comes to mind for Elizabeth Gilbert is brave. I remember when Eat Pray Love was first published and every woman I knew aspired to endeavor on their own Eat Pray Love-like journey.
Josslyn Carver Davis (Mistresses). Her character took me awhile to warm up to, but she’s exciting, free-spirited and full of surprises which always makes me want to know what she’s up to next and keeps me watching one of my favorite TV shows.
One of the things I love most about this journal is that for every list, there is a “take action” challenge. This week, the action was to find a common personality trait among your favorite characters that you admire and commit to working toward that trait for the coming week.
For me, the common trait I saw immediately from my list of five is that each of these women is independent. I also see that many of them are quirky and have the tendency to, at times, be misunderstood. I see myself in many of these women. And now I’m glad I did the exercise.
What about you? Who are your favorite characters from movies or books and what trait do you admire about them?
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