Inner Warrior

For the longest time, I believed that strength meant pushing through—multitasking, getting as many things done as quickly as possible. I thought it was about staying busy and feeling responsible for the happiness of everyone around me.

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But this approach didn’t serve me well at all. Instead, I became burnt out, depleted, and borderline depressed. I couldn’t even tell you what foods I enjoyed or what clothes I liked to wear. It was all about keeping up with the latest trends, following some new diet fad, and trying to fit into society’s expectations.

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Then I thought, What if I took all that away? Who would I be?

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These beliefs were so deeply ingrained in me that they had become part of my identity. The mere thought of shedding this “shell” filled me with fear. Who would I be without it?

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I began to explore. I started connecting with my feelings, discerning what truly made me feel good versus what I was doing to please others or to fit in.

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Over time, I learned to feel in my heart what I genuinely liked and disliked. Whether strangers frowned upon it or people I knew judged me, it didn’t matter. It was me.

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Whaahh! Freedom!

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I began to feel good, and suddenly, how others viewed me became irrelevant.
“We do not need the approval of others to be happy. That would be living as a fixture in someone else’s dream, a character in someone else’s story.”

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Today, I define strength as trusting my feelings, speaking my truth, and making choices that push me beyond my comfort zone. It’s walking tall, with my heart open and my head held high. It’s being kind to everyone I meet and practicing non-judgment—toward others and myself (a tough one!). Strength is making a commitment to care for my emotional and physical well-being.

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It’s also about being a good listener, admitting when I’m wrong, and taking responsibility for my actions. I’m learning to slow down, and not beat myself up if I don’t do everything perfectly all the time.

When I make mistakes, I try to approach them with a light heart. After all, the word mistake means that if you “missed,” you “take” again.

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Each night, I tell myself that I did my best and that it was enough based on what I knew at the time.

In the morning, I dress based on how I feel that day.

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I tell myself that today, I will do better than I did yesterday—based on how I’m feeling.

Some days, my best might mean sitting at home in my pajamas, doing nothing. Other days, I’m ready to take on the world. Either way, it’s my best. And it’s perfect. It’s enough.

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When I practice yoga, standing tall and strong in my warrior pose helps me tap into that energy of strength. I carry it with me off the mat and into my life.

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When I meditate, I set the tone for my day: to be more present, to slow down, and to connect with my inner source. This practice supports me and gives me courage.

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When I nourish my body with healthy food and positive affirmations, I feel confident and energized.

I encourage you to sit down, close your eyes, and simply observe your breath. Make a commitment to do this every day, as often and as long as you can—even if it’s just for a few minutes. I truly believe that the awakening of self begins with quieting the mind and listening within.

We can begin this change with just one single, focused breath.