It’s no secret that I am all about Girl Power.

Was it all those Spice Girls songs?

8th grade talent show. Yup.

My four years at an all girls high school? (school motto: Today’s young woman. Tomorrow’s leader.”)

SMA Class of 2008

The days of roughhousing with the boys during Friday soccer scrimmages?

Since birth I have been surrounded by a wealth of Strong Women:

My cancer-fighting mother and always-ready-for-adventure grandma.
Teachers from elementary school to college.
Coaches in soccer, rowing and downhill ski racing.
Friends.
Mentors.
Neighbors.

I could go on for a while.

One of my greatest Joys in life is helping women see the talented, beautiful and incredible individuals they were created to be.

If I spent every hour of the day celebrating with women and girls about their purpose and potential, I would be the happiest camper that you ever did see.

Abba’s Girls.

Throughout the last year and a half I’ve been writing a series on my blog called Strong Girl Move. Each story features a different young woman, highlighting the leaps of faith she has taken to be where she is right now. Part of the story I write, but the main part is her answers to six questions I ask.

It has been so much fun. Seriously, so much.

But I know that it isn’t just girls who are living out their dreams, kicking butt and being humble in the process.

Guys equally represent.

Which is why I’m going to do a week-long series of Strong Guy Move.

This week you’ll be hearing from some stand-out guys, young men who are living their lives with intention and influencing our world because of it.

They will be answering the same questions that I ask young women in the Strong Girl series, opening a window to see a glimpse of their lives, how they dance between times of movement and stillness – what I feel are two of the hardest concepts to grasp as a twenty-something growing up in the 21^st century.

I’m excited to share with you their wisdom, perspective and experiences.

For all the Strong Girls and Strong Guys out there, thank you for doing what you do. You truly make this world a more colorful, flavorful and beautiful place.

Paint the world. By Taylor Smith