The Courage To "Roar"

 

One of my friends is passionate about saving the lives of innocent animals.  She has been working diligently on a project to help end animal poaching.  It is an honor for me to be a witness to her hard work and dedication.  

To me, this project is a huge undertaking.  At strictly face value, when I look at her, I see a beautiful petite young lady.  However, on the inside, she is strong, fierce and brave.  Through her hard work and dedication, I can see that helping animals transforms her into a leader.  

In one of our recent conversations, my friend said, "You'll never know if you have the courage to be a lion if you don't try to roar".  

She explained to me that being courageous is important for her.  Her mindset about who she is as a person is everything when it comes to facing and working through challenges.  For instance, if a cat only ever tries to "meow" then it will always be perceived as a soft, small and cuddly animal.  On the contrary, a cat who has the courage to "roar" is a reflection of a strong, fierce and brave lion.  Therefore, their outer-most self is now a seamless reflection of the courage they possess.  

At the end of our conversation, my friend said that, through her eyes, I am a lion.  She stated that high heeled shoes have given me the courage to "roar".  While some people may see them as a superficial means in which to be beautiful, I wear them to represent confidence and empowerment.  

As my friend and I reflect on ourselves, I encourage others to do the same.  Ask yourself, "Do I have the courage to "roar"?  What gives me motivation, boosts my confidence and transforms me into a lion?"  Some people I know are runners and as soon as they slide their feet into their sneakers, they are ready to face challenges with strength and purpose.  Other people love to travel the world because this gives them excitement and hope.  And yet for others, sitting behind the wheel of their dream sports car makes them feel serene and stress-free.  

This cat and lion metaphor was a powerful way for me to reflect on my courageous mentality.  For so many years, I refused to look at myself in the mirror, let alone try to speak positive truth into my daily life.  But I appreciate my friend's perspective and want to try and lean into my inner lion a little bit more.  And I hope today, that you will take a moment to remember that you too possess the courage to "roar".  

Love Note: With all my heart, I genuinely request that due to the content written, please seek the guidance of professional help should you feel you need it.

Why High Heels?

 

Arguably, I feel as if there should not be a limit on the amount of shoes I buy!  Much to my husbands dismay, I also think there should be a line item in our budget for “special shoes”!  Shall we call it an obsession?  No!  But it is definitely a fun hobby where my feet, outfits and mental well-being benefit.  Since companies make shoes in various styles, colors, shapes and sizes, I am never fearful of an inevitable end to my shoe collection.  


To me, what I wear on my feet does not represent just fun and beauty, it also hold a much deeper meaning.  This is because shoes are a symbol to remind me to put one foot in front of the other, even when life wants me to stand still and not move at all.  Being a bipolar disorder survivor, I face highs and lows associated with this mental illness.  And each time I slide my feet into my high heels, I am encouraged to take one step at a time to get through each moment of the day.  

But, you may ask yourself, "Why shoes"?  And my response is as follows:

The unhealthy lows of bipolar disorder tell my brain that it is best to stay in bed.  However, when I can overcome the depression and slide my feet out of bed and onto the floor, I immediately wear slippers.  I cover my feet to surround them with encouragement to begin my day.  On days that I am well enough, my slippers turn into a shoe that will take me outside.  And those shoes are usually high heels encouraging me to be confident as I step foot outside the confines of my comfort zone and into the world of many unknowns.  

Some days are easier than others to get out of bed.  Often times, my feet only make their way into slippers.  But on several occasions, I am able to slide my feet into high heels and make my way outside of my house.  If I simply get of bed and do stay-at-home self care, or I venture outside the comfort of my home, I remain encouraged.  I offer myself grace on the rough days and shoes add a confidence boost to the healthy days.  

For me, shoes are a reminder that with one foot in front of the other, I can always move forward no matter what life throws in my direction.  Whether it is with one simple pair of shoes or a different shoe for every occasion, I know that an illness cannot hold me back.  So with each step I take, I remain filled with hope.  And I place one foot in front of the other as I move through life one moment at a time in my high heels. 

 

Love Note: With all my heart, I genuinely request that due to the content written, please seek the guidance of professional help should you feel you need it.

Warriors Of Love

Warriors of Love

Written by my daughter

Age 10 years old

“Love is something you receive and give.  Love needs to be cared for.  Love can hurt, but if you push through all that tough pain, you’ll find all the good funny tingling wonderful sensations.


But, the "Warriors of Love" can do this best out of anyone.  You just don’t wake up a warrior, and it isn’t passed through generations.  Instead, Warriors of Love just simply love fully and care deeply.  They give to others even when it’s tough.


Maybe that warrior of love is you.  If you say “I’m a Warrior of Love” yet don’t act on it, then you probably aren’t.  This is because the warriors are the ones who don’t know that they themselves have this quality.  They have inner strength and they just love on others because it feels good.


The love warriors are the ones who make this world a better place.  There is no need to ask yourself if you are or are not this kind of person.  Because if you wish for it but don’t work for it, then maybe it’s not you.  Do not ask yourself about it. Don’t wish for love to happen.  Instead, just do it and act on it.”


After she wrote and read this to me, I said, “sweetheart, who is an example of a Warrior of Love in your life?”  With a thoughtful pause, she said, “Mommy, I think you are.  You love others with all your heart even when maybe they don’t love you back.  And you love with your whole heart and don’t ask for anything in return.”

The words of my daughter made me feel seen.  This is because I felt like she acknowledged my outward expression of love.  Maybe you don’t realize it, but someone else sees you as a Warrior of Love in their lives.  

My daughters words are a pertinent expression of how she feels, and how she relates to the love she witnesses in her life.  I am honored to be viewed as Warrior of Love.  And as we all slide our feet into our high heels, I hope you will be reminded of someone who made you feel seen and loved as well.  

Love Note: With all my heart, I genuinely request that due to the content written, please seek the guidance of professional help should you feel you need it.