What Makes A Woman Remarkable and Happy?

What makes a woman remarkable? It’s more than meets the eye. Learn the 9 essential traits that cultivate a magnetic and inspiring presence.

The word ‘remarkable’ is often tied to grand achievements, a spotlight on a stage, or flawless beauty that graces magazine covers. But the kind of remarkable I find most compelling is quieter. It lives in the woman who orders an extra side of adventure with her meal, a touch of mischief in her eyes as she steps off the itinerary and into the unknown. It’s about embracing that pinch of uncertainty with the same courage we pack our bags.  

True remarkability isn’t something you’re born with. It’s crafted, mile after mile, through those choices we make in quiet moments – the decision to smile at a stranger, to ask the question no one else will, to linger over a sunset until the last sliver of color fades. 

This article isn’t a checklist for perfection. It’s an exploration of what makes a woman remarkable – that intangible essence born from owning your imperfections, pursuing joy, and seeing the world with fearless curiosity. And the secret is, these traits aren’t reserved for heroines in novels. They’re within reach for every one of us, especially women who’ve learned a thing or two from the winding roads they’ve traveled. Let’s dive in and discover how to live a life that turns heads, not for its surface polish, but for the undeniable spark that lies within. 

1. Owning Your Authentic Self.

We wear an invisible armor of expectation when we step into new environments—the way we think we should dress, talk, or act. It’s a performance born from a fear of not fitting in, of being seen as different. But here’s the secret: the women I find most unforgettable are the ones who refuse to blend into the background. They own their quirks, laugh too loudly perhaps, and step off the well-worn path with a spark in their eyes. It’s a quiet revolution, this owning of one’s authentic self.

Shed any idea of needing to morph into a “perfect woman.” Forget the influencer feeds and embrace the messy hair, the genuine smile, the hunger to learn that shines brighter than any flawless filter. The real you has a power that cannot be manufactured. That’s what turns a woman from being just another visitor into someone whose energy lingers long after she’s left the room. It’s what makes a woman remarkable.

2. Finding Joy in the Everyday.

Finding joy in the every day – it’s a skill, one that becomes even more precious as we collect passport stamps and experiences. Travel teaches us that happiness isn’t a constant hum, it’s a flicker. It’s found in the taste of a perfect, sun-warmed tomato in a farmer’s market, in the rhythm of waves crashing against an unfamiliar shore, in the unexpected kindness of a stranger. These aren’t the grand moments that make headlines, but they leave an imprint on your heart. 

Remarkability isn’t about pretending everything is always perfect. It’s about noticing the good, even amidst delays, wrong turns, and those inevitable days tinged with jet lag. Something is mesmerizing about a woman who carries her own sunshine – who can find a sprinkle of joy in a cup of strong coffee, the feel of cobblestone streets under her sandals, or the shared laughter with newfound companions on a train.  

Like catching the scent of wildflowers on a breeze, this joy has an infectious quality. It ripples out – to a harried taxi driver, to a weary fellow explorer, to the old woman selling embroidered postcards near the cathedral. It’s a subtle shift of energy, a reminder that even in the messy, imperfect rhythm of life and travel, there’s always a fragment of beauty to be found. And that, in itself, is what makes a woman remarkable.  

3. Cultivating a Growth Mindset.

A remarkable woman is never truly finished. There’s a flicker in her eyes that hints at a hunger – not just to experience the world, but to truly understand it. She knows the most fascinating journeys aren’t just marked on a map but in the steady expansion of her own mind. 

There’s something beautiful about being eternally curious, about approaching life as a grand classroom. Every conversation, every cobblestone street walked, every new ingredient tasted holds a potential lesson. It’s about seeking knowledge for the sake of growth, not to impress. Seeking knowledge because it makes us more open, more empathetic, and more alive.

Travel is the ultimate fire hose of learning. It thrusts us into situations where we must adapt, decipher, and question everything we thought we knew. It awakens a craving to dig deeper, to understand the ‘why’ behind a custom, to master a few phrases in a foreign tongue. This desire to continuously evolve, to shed old skin as you learn, is what makes a woman remarkable. It’s about embracing the thrilling discomfort of the unknown, knowing that with each step outside your familiar bubble, you return a little bit wiser. 

4. Embracing Imperfections with a Smile

Let’s talk about the wrinkles on our maps – the laughter lines, travel scars, and the subtle dents left by the heartbreaks that shaped us. There’s this notion that perfection equals power. But I’d argue that it’s our imperfections that make women truly remarkable. They paint a far more captivating story than a blank canvas ever could.

The woman who laughs at her disastrous attempt to order coffee in a new language? She’s inviting connection, proving that joy and a little self-deprecating humor transcend any cultural barrier. The one who shows up with mismatched socks under her hiking boots? She’s telling the world that comfort and a sense of adventure matter way more than pristine appearances.  

Our imperfections hold lessons learned, battles fought, and dreams that still flicker in our eyes. They’re proof we’re not just passersby in this world, but active participants, willing to stumble and get back up. That kind of resilience? It’s not just remarkable, it’s downright magnetic. So let’s raise a glass – to the mishaps, the quirks, and the glorious messiness of being perfectly human. Because that is where the true adventure lies. 

5. Nurturing a Passion for Adventure

There’s an undeniable spark in a woman with the spirit of a great explorer. It has nothing to do with the number of stamps in her passport and everything to do with the way she approaches the world – eyes wide with curiosity, a touch of mischief in her smile, a heart open to the thrill of the unknown. It’s the kind of energy that makes you lean in a bit closer, eager to hear her stories.

This adventurous spirit isn’t confined to a map. It’s about embracing the unexpected in the every day – taking a detour down a street you’ve never walked, saying yes to the conversation with a stranger brimming with stories, trying that dish you can’t quite pronounce. It’s a willingness to push past comfort zones, to trade routine for a chance at the extraordinary. 

The most remarkable women, I’ve found, are masters of calculated bravery. They understand that the boldest adventures often begin with a single “yes.” Yes to the invitation, yes to the hike that sounds just a bit too challenging, yes to the wild idea that sends a flicker of both excitement and fear down their spine. Those “yes” moments are where the magic happens – they stretch us, they transform us, and they paint our lives with colors far more vibrant than we could have ever planned.  

6. Prioritizing a Positive Outlook

Picture two scenarios: an endless grumble about a delayed flight versus a chuckle and, “Well, more time for that duty-free treat I’ve been eyeing!” Which woman would you rather sit next to on the rescheduled flight? This isn’t about pretending the frustrations of travel don’t exist. It’s about choosing your lens wisely. 

Focusing on the good doesn’t mean ignoring the bad; it means shifting your spotlight. When things go awry, a positive woman becomes a master of improvisation. Did you miss your train? That’s a chance to stumble upon a hidden neighborhood café with the most incredible local pastries. Raining out your meticulously planned beach day? Hello, museum hopping and indulging in a long cafe conversation with a new friend.

This attitude shapes your whole experience. When you look for the good, you find it. It’s not blind optimism, but trained awareness. You start noticing the tiny kindnesses of strangers, the unexpected beauty in an unplanned detour, and the thrill of overcoming a little bump in the road. This gratitude is contagious, and it radiates around you. 

Sure, some people may roll their eyes and call you a hopeless romantic. But here’s the secret: there’s immense strength in positivity. It’s not about weakness, but resilience. A woman who can spin a misfortune into a chuckle, a hiccup into an adventure – that’s the kind of person who leaves a lasting impression. When people remember you, they won’t dwell on the flight delay, but on how your unflappable optimism turned the mishap into an unexpectedly memorable moment. 

7. Being a Source of Support and Encouragement

We carry an instinct within us, a deep-seated desire for connection, for understanding. For travelers especially, the bonds formed on the road are often intense and vibrant – those shared moments of navigating a foreign place, of wide-eyed discovery, form unbreakable ties. It’s a reminder that sisterhood isn’t limited by borders or the lives we left back home. Those friendships born of train journeys and shared dorm rooms are some of the most precious souvenirs we bring back with us. 

But what makes a woman remarkable is her ability to extend that generosity outwards, always. A listening ear for a fellow traveler in need, sharing insider tips with a wide-eyed newcomer, a simple act of kindness toward a local… it creates a ripple effect. Lifting others is more than just a feel-good act. It’s knowing that your words of encouragement might give someone the courage to leap. It’s sharing wisdom that makes another woman’s journey easier. It’s creating spaces safe for vulnerability, laughter, and those heart-to-heart conversations that light you up from the inside out. And that, more than any curated Instagram feed or impressive passport stamp, is truly remarkable. 

8. Loving and Caring Deeply

A truly remarkable woman has a heart that beats not just for herself, but for the world around her. There’s a warmth, a generosity of spirit, that draws people in. You see it in the way she greets a street vendor with a genuine smile, the patience she extends when language barriers cause confusion, and her desire to truly understand the lives of those whose paths cross her own, near or far. 

This love manifests in small acts – befriending a solo traveler in a café, buying from local artisans, and learning a few phrases of the language to connect more deeply. It’s about seeing the person behind the tourist spectacle. Remarkable women lead with an open heart, understanding that those fleeting moments of genuine connection can leave a lasting mark, both on the receiver and the giver. 

This compassion isn’t reserved for far-flung adventures. It ripples out from a traveler’s life, shaping how she treats a flustered barista, holds space for a struggling friend, or lends a hand in her community. It’s the understanding that we’re all woven into a larger story, and what makes a woman remarkable is her willingness to find those threads of empathy wherever her feet may take her. 

9. Chasing Your Dreams with Determination

We women, especially those of us who’ve seen a few sunsets, sometimes carry this quiet guilt about our dreams. As if they should be shelved alongside childhood wishes about flying unicorns and owning a candy shop. Travel has a way of reigniting those embers. It reminds you that the world is wide, full of possibilities, and you’re never too old to rewrite the script for your life.  

Honoring your unique ambitions isn’t selfish. It’s essential. It’s about refusing to settle for an existence that leaves your spirit feeling cramped. There’s a fierce sort of beauty in the woman who decides that her story isn’t over, that her most exciting chapter is yet to be written. She doesn’t wait for permission or the perfect moment; she carves her path.

This pursuit of dreams isn’t always a comfortable process. It demands a willingness to step into the uncomfortable, to learn, and to risk failure in the name of trying. But there’s an undeniable energy surrounding a woman with that kind of bold intention. It’s what makes her remarkable. It inspires others to believe a little more in themselves – to shake off the ‘shoulds’ and remember their own spark. Isn’t that the kind of impact we all yearn to leave on the world?

Book Recommendations for Women Who Want to Be Remarkable

Sometimes, all it takes is the spark of a well-written story to inspire something remarkable within ourselves. Here’s my shortlist of books that do just that. They’re a mix of thought-provoking memoirs, a touch of spirited fiction, and a dash of wanderlust – the perfect companions for any woman who wants to tap into that remarkable potential that lies within:

• The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. Didion’s memoir is a must-read for understanding resilience and how grief shapes us in unexpected ways. Her unflinching honesty in navigating loss provides a masterclass in owning your experiences, even those that break your heart. This is not a happy read, but it’s raw, and real, and will stay with you long after you finish.
• Untamed by Glennon Doyle. For those who want to shed the “shoulds” and step boldly into their power, Doyle’s part memoir, part manifesto is a jolt of energy. She explores societal expectations, self-doubt, and the liberation of listening to your gut instead of outside voices. It’s a call to action to embrace the messy, untamed woman within.
• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. If you long to unleash your creativity but fear is holding you back, this is your essential guide. Gilbert demystifies creativity with a blend of practicality, warmth, and unwavering belief in your talent. This book is particularly inspiring for women who crave creative expression in any form, whether through writing, art, or starting a new venture.
• Circe by Madeline Miller. A spellbinding retelling of the Greek myth of Circe infused with a decidedly modern sensibility. It’s a beautiful exploration of a woman owning her power, overcoming adversity, and rewriting her destiny. Perfect for women drawn to both the magic of travel and the timeless strength of female characters. 
• Lab Girl by Hope Jahren. For any woman who loves science, nature, and the quiet tenacity that fuels discovery, Jahren’s beautifully written memoir is a treasure. It’s both a fascinating peek into her world as a geobiologist and an ode to the unwavering pursuit of her passions in a field often dominated by men. 
• Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit. A brilliant collection of essays on feminism, power, and the silencing of women’s voices. A must-read for any woman who’s ready to reclaim her space and speak her truth with unapologetic power.
• In the Land of Invisible Women by Qanta Ahmed. A doctor’s eye-opening memoir of her time in Saudi Arabia. Ahmed’s story reveals the complexities of cultures beyond our own while illuminating the strength and resilience found in women even under the most restrictive circumstances.

These are just a starting point, of course. What makes a woman remarkable is her curiosity! So explore bookstores, follow your intuition, and fill your travel bag with stories that ignite your remarkable journey. 

Takeaway Message

The things that make a woman remarkable aren’t found in glossy magazines or meticulously filtered selfies. They lie in the choices we make, day after day, whether we’re boarding a plane or standing in a grocery line. It’s the courage to laugh a little too loudly, the compassion in a kind word, the stubborn grit that says “I will try again.” These qualities are yours to cultivate, to shape with each adventure and ordinary Tuesday. Don’t wait for someone to crown you remarkable. Embrace your potential, fuel your passions, and design a life that leaves the world a little better, a little brighter, simply because you passed through it.

Remarkable women are mindful about how they spend their time. Consider getting our Morning Routine For Success PDF Download for New Freelancers.