“The word diva to me means doing something supernatural with something natural.” — Patti LuPone

The term "diva" has, over time, evolved in public perception, often taking on a negative connotation that shadows its original, empowering essence.

However, I firmly believe that being called a “diva” is not merely a compliment but a badge of honor, a goal to strive toward.

Historically, the word "Diva" is rooted in Latin, signifying 'Goddess' - a term that encapsulated the divine feminine power. It's a title that was once reserved for celebrated opera singers, women of considerable talent, and commanding presence.

Contrary to misconceptions of being temperamental or self-absorbed, a Diva is a woman who embodies confidence, intelligence, and resilience. She is someone who respects not only others but herself, channeling her passion, creativity, and hard work toward achieving her ambitions. A Diva navigates her path with style, grace, and an unwavering belief in her capabilities, irrespective of the obstacles that lie in her way.

When I wrote ‘The Kiss of the Nightingale’ I wanted to showcase those qualities. While Cleodora turned into an ‘Opera Diva’ seemingly overnight, she did not encompass the role of a Diva at the start of her journey, but the struggles she faces throughout her journey slowly reveal those qualities within her.

In today's world, bombarded with unattainable standards and pervasive self-doubt, embracing one's inner Diva has become more challenging. Society often seems to be on a mission to diminish our spirits, focusing more on our failures than celebrating our successes, echoing the crippling notion that we are never enough. This external negativity can cloud our self-perception, making the act of self-love and confidence an uphill battle.

Yet, the essence of being a Diva lies in overcoming these adversities, in standing tall amidst the storm of criticism and doubt. Being a Diva means focusing on personal growth, on pushing boundaries, and on silencing the cacophony of naysayers with your achievements. It's about being fiercely unapologetic about who you are and proving that the only opinions that truly matter are those you hold about yourself.

The journey of a Diva is paved with faith - faith in oneself, in the diligence of one's efforts, and in the unwavering pursuit of one's dreams. It's a testament to the power of self-belief and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

It is a title I personally aspire to—wishing to embody its truest form.

The journey to achieve that goal is not always easy, just like shown through Cleodora’s tale in ‘The Kiss of the Nightingale’, but it is something that I believe is worth the struggle.

So if you are reading these words and find that they resonate within you, I invite you to reconsider the term "Diva" and what it represents. I invite you to embrace the challenge to work tirelessly toward your goals, to harbor an unshakeable belief in your potential, and to navigate life's ups and downs with grace and resilience.

Let us redefine what it means to be a Diva in the modern world - not as a term of derision, but as a symbol of empowerment and grace.

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