Woman Spotlight #2: Anne Frank

I have just finished reading Anne Frank: The Diary of A Young Girl and now have immense respect and admiration for Anne Frank. While forced to go into hiding for two years because she was a Jew (in cramped quarters with frequently disagreeable people), she continued to be incredibly optimistic and strong. I love her cheerful disposition that you can just see in her eyes.

 

I am especially impressed with her wisdom that went beyond her years.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from her diary.

"Whoever is happy will make others happy too. He who has courage and faith will never perish in misery!" Tuesday, 7 March, 1944

"I have been given a lot, a happy nature, a great deal of cheerfulness and strength."

Wednesday, 3 May, 1944

"I know my own faults and shortcomings better than anyone, but the difference is that I also know that I want to improve, shall improve, and have already improved a great deal."

Wednesday, 14 June, 1944

"Quite honestly, I can't imagine how anyone can say: "I'm weak," and then remain so. After all, if you know it, why not fight against it, why not try to train your character?"

Thursday, 6 July, 1944

Even when life in the "Secret Annex" was filled with rotten food, arguments, and suffocating air, Anne still found ways to be happy and work towards who she wanted to become.

These are a couple quotes from her diary that break my heart since I know that she was betrayed and sent to a camp where she fell ill and died.

"And I [do] so want to grow into a real young woman!"

Saturday, 15 January, 1944

"I want to go on living even after my death!"

Tuesday, 4 April, 1944

Anne has touched more lives with her diary than she could have ever dreamed. And I believe that her personal journey is continuing in another place and that she is accomplishing her goals.

Read more about her life on her official website.