My friend, Patricia V. Davis, who launched the diva dive tour on Sunday book passages in Corte Madera, is a diva. Dressed in a fabulous over the top black and white big brimmed hat and Lacey Black gloves, Patricia embodied confidence, whimsy, and wisdom. Her new book, “The Diva Doctrine,” is a guidebook for young women. It began with a blog post based on a conversation with a younger woman. That single blog post generated so many comments because it touched a nerve and resonated with men and women young and old.

The message of her book is intended as a gift from someone who made mistakes, and is wiser for having lived and loved not always well, but with intention, optimism and sometimes just driven by hormones. It is intended to help the next generation avoid wasting time on the unimportant things that seem so huge when you are young.

Like Patricia, my youthful misadventures helped to make me who I am today. It would have been great to know I could have avoided so many anxious and unhappy moments if only I knew what I know now.

What I know now is the importance of expressing who I am and being less concerned about what other people think of me — because in the real world you are probably not  thinking about me, and you are thinking about yourself.

I am committed to wearing my feather boas and splashy clothes when I feel like it. And my collection of hats will stop collecting dust and sit atop my head instead. If I want people to remember me it’s okay to make a big impression. Why not have fun, be eccentric, and instead of trying to fit in, be a leader? Take a page from pop stars like Katie Perry and Lady Gaga. Like their predecessors, Cher, Madonna, and Carol Channing, you too can invent your own brand and wear it proudly. Donald Trump is the male equivalent of these pioneering personas and branding experts.

My advice, let your inner diva shine. Diva’s make up the rules. Be remembered for what’s in your heart, for being a mentor, and clearly sharing who you are and what you stand for with the world. And don’t forget your boa.