If you’re looking to watch something truly entertaining, check out HBO’s new documentary All About Ann, that focuses on the life of former Texas Governor Ann Richards.

While I don’t agree with a lot of her politics, I’m 100% in agreement with her stance on women’s rights. Long before the Spice Girls were singing about “Girl Power,” Ann Richards was actually living it. Her success in the notoriously tough Texas political arena was remarkable. She was the first woman ever to be elected as Texas State Treasurer and Governor. Ann did things on her terms, unfazed by very vocal critics.

She fought for causes she believed in, worked tirelessly to eliminate special interest groups, and ensured that government would be open to all members of society, not just the few and powerful.

As part of the ’80’s Generation, I witnessed Ann Richards and many other remarkable women break barriers. Ladies like Sandra Day O’Connor, Margaret Thatcher and Geraldine Ferraro are shining examples. All of them inspired me, and other ladies of my age, that we truly could be anyone and do anything we wanted. Being “just a girl” was no longer an impediment to success.

They proved we don’t have to obey a man to be loved by one, nor do we have to compromise our femininity to be taken seriously. We can work in government, the military, even in manual labor and still look pretty while we do it.

As an American woman, I am so thankful—thankful for equal rights, thankful for equal protection under the Law, thankful to have a voice, thankful for the ability to live my life, my way. Because that’s what “Girl Power” is all about—choice.

I can get married…or not.

I can be a mother…or not.

I can work…outside my home.

I can work…inside my home.

I can choose.

My choices may be different from yours and that’s ok. There’s no right or wrong way to be a woman. There’s nothing we’re “supposed” to be doing, other than finding our own God-given path.

I choose to be empowered and informed. I choose to be the best person I can be. I choose to make this world a better place, however I’m able.

I choose to be me, and that, according to Ann Richards, is just fine!

What does “Girl Power” mean to you?