Find Your Inner Warrior and Light Her Fire

I have lived most of my life in fear: fear of abuse, abandonment, confrontation, reproach, which all led to fear of asking for what I want or need and even fear of being authentic. I was mistreated, ridiculed, and mocked when I expressed myself with my feelings, my clothes (where my sparkly sisters at?), or my opinions. The fear of facing these consequences of being genuine forced me to hide myself – my feelings, my opinions, my dreams, my self-expression. I hid my true self from everyone for so long that eventually she was hidden from me, too. But recently, with the state of the world (and some excellent therapy), a glimmer of that hidden unicorn revealed herself to me as her flame was ignited.

It started with rage. Rage at the never-ending barriers and threats women face everyday. Rage that this country, for whatever reason, chose a felon over a woman to be the President of the United States. My indignation reminded me of a post I saw about what this 2024 election teaches men and women. It discussed how this election teaches men that they can do whatever they want, hurt whoever they want, and still claim the most powerful position in American society with no reprisal. The post went on to say that this election teaches young women that their abusers win, that women are powerless, that women are still hated by society, and that laws should only be enforced when men want them to be enforced. 

But that raging little flame that had ignited, that flash of the warrior within me, asked the question: “What if this election, because of the outrage and disappointment it evokes, teaches women something else?” And then the lightbulb: No, not a lesson to be taught and learned – an awakening to be explored. The awakening is a demand for you to look deep within yourself and roust your own hidden inner warrior. What have you concealed so deeply inside because you were afraid? What have you suppressed because you were bullied, discriminated against, and judged? It’s time to uncover those parts of you and show your whole, powerful self to the world. 

For me, I intend to start to live wholly as my true self, flaws and all. I will speak up for myself and for others who may not have found their voices yet. Women are, by default, stronger than men. While men may be able to lift a heavier weight in some cases, we can do anything men can, but we can do it while bleeding (and in pain, might I add). Men may be able to share their thoughts, feelings, and opinions freely without the backlash, but women are strong enough to share those thoughts, feelings, and opinions WITH the backlash. We can bear those burdens and still stand tall. It will not be easy, and you may scream, and cry, and punch at your pillow. But after that, you will smile and remember that you survived, you stood up for what you believe in and who you are. You have a fire ignited within you. You are a unique, sparkling warrior for independence and freedom!

So, I want you to think about how you can show up to be you true self. How can you start incorporating those hidden parts back into who you are. I’m starting with standing up for myself and by saying “no.” I will say “no” to things I don’t want to do or hear, even if it means people will be upset and angry. I intend to speak my truth, share my feelings and opinions and accept the response with dignity and a hint of IDGAF attitude.