For my next installment in A Series of Remarkable Characters I'm going to be talking about Amelia Pond and Clara Oswald, my personal favorite women of Doctor Who.
And yes, before we go any further,
Not big ones though
So here's a topsy-turvy list of things to learn from the Impossible Girl, and the Girl Who Waited.
1. Never underestimate the importance of a great outfit.
These girls have style. Personally, Clara's outfits are some of my favorites, but Amy too knows how to dress with some serious flair "for Rio!" and they both have a strong jacket game.* Along with the Doctor and his bowties and jackets (and fez) they save the world with significant sartorial panache, and you'd better believe that this has something to do with our #2
2. Be fabulous, and believe it.
One thing that I love about Amy and Clara is that they are impressed by the magnificent, filled with wonder at the incredible, but it doesn't make them back down. It doesn't make them doubt their own brilliance. They are quick to see the amazing in others, and are willing to go toe-to-toe with the clever and the terrible, and match their wits with anyone because, as the fellow says,
"If not you, then who? If not now, then when?"
3. Use whatever you've got at your disposal
Whether it's Amy pausing the tape in Flesh and Stone, or Clara getting Rigsy to save the world with spray-paint, these women know how to take what they've got and make it do. Which makes them brilliant companions of course, because this is the Doctor's whole MO. Don't give up, don't walk away, preserve and protect, whatever the stakes.
4. You don't need a reason to be you
5. You definitely don't need an excuse to be funny (or full of sass)
6. Don't be afraid to be the boss
Sometimes you're the one who knows what needs to happen. Go with it. Sometimes you're the only one keeping a level head. Own it. Along with this goes: it's okay to be intimidating as long as the people you care about know you are there for them no matter what.
7. Be the carers.
Care, when nobody else will. Stay, when everyone runs away. Spread hope everywhere you go. Ask people if they're alright. Choose to still feel it, even when it hurts. Caring will lead you into a host of adventures, and helps keeps you on the right track in the throes of life.
8. Create family
Some family you're born with, some family you fall in love with (and marry), and some come into your life in entirely unexpected ways. But we can absolutely choose family. Hold onto the dear people in your life. Stick by them no matter what. Let them know when they're being ridiculous. Protect them from themselves sometimes. And if they stick around, be their family forever.
These two are my favorite examples of this {{so much love}}
9. Be brave. Be confident. Be optimistic. Be kind.
These are generally implied in the others we looked at, but are worth spelling out on their own. It is wonderful when we are protected and safe and with those we love: but this is not always the case. And when it is not, what we can be is "very, very brave".
10. "Don't give up
Not ever. Not for one single day. Be safe, when you can be. But always be amazing."
I think this is my favorite Who quote, however many other brilliant ones there are...
What's yours?
*I have taken some serious style pointers from the women of Doctor Who over the years. I get my hoop earrings from Rose, and I had a serious mini-skirt-and-leggings phase inspired by Amy. Clara inspires my heeled boots and dress game. And I take my jacket collection very seriously.
