Another week, another humbling experience with tiny dictators who run my life without my consent. Yet, through it all, I persevere and continue to enjoy life.
With so much going on, my thoughts this week lean towards something I’ve mentioned before: this is the year of boldness and ridiculous audacity. Though I won’t lie, I’ve had moments of wanting to kick off the boots and quit. Thankfully, my people tend to bring me back to life. Which made me think about how important it is to speak to your own mind in ways that encourage you rather than shame you into action. Yes, we all need cheerleaders. Not because we’re weak, but because being seen for your potential can move you into versions of yourself you didn’t even know were possible.
Take Mam Winnie Mandela, for instance. Her consistent advocacy kept Tata Madiba’s name alive while he was imprisoned. Many people were imprisoned on Robben Island, yet not all became globally recognised leaders. I’m not saying this to start a debate. I’m saying it to highlight the power of consistent advocacy and consistent work. Not only the work others do for you, but the work you must do for yourself.
You have to become the Winnie Mandela of your own life.
Learn to speak greatness over yourself without waiting for validation. We’ve spoken before about allowing yourself to feel your emotions so you can make aligned decisions. Now, I want to lean into something just as important: advocating for yourself.
Daily. Gently. Boldly.
There will be seasons where life feels heavy and no one is cheering you on. In those moments, you have to look yourself in the mirror and say, “This is hard, but I can overcome it.” And then remind yourself that overcoming doesn’t happen instantly. It takes showing up when things feel awful and when things feel good. It’s the consistency of your inner work that creates lasting change.
When you slack on yourself, you delay your own growth.
When you are harsh with others, chances are you’re harsh with yourself too.
Imagine the courage it took for Mam Winnie to fight, not only for her husband, but for herself. That kind of courage is built through daily commitment to your own becoming.
When you start seeing yourself as a masterpiece, you stop limiting what you believe you deserve.
I’m learning that boldness grows when you think highly of yourself, and audacity is born when you advocate for what matters to you.
Remember: the year of boldness and audacity doesn’t start with the world changing.
It starts with you choosing yourself, again and again.