Declaring Your Independence

What do you think of when you hear the word warrior? It seems to be a label used throughout history describing individuals defined by great courage and strength. These warriors often unite their people to engage in a cause worth fighting for, rejoicing over their successful triumph over their perceived enemy.

However, a warrior today is often hidden within the crowd battling an unknown adversary. There is no clanking of sword blades, the rumbling of guns, or the battle cry as the warrior makes his or her charge. Instead, this internal war is unseen by others, often taking place in the confines of a single noble heart.

I could tell you story after story of individuals, both men and women, who silently fight battles within to overcome their unseen enemy. Their stories have not been captured on the evening news, or they have not participated in a hero’s parade. Instead, these individuals take courage and face unseen assailants such as depression, loneliness, illness, grief, shame, abuse, or addiction to name a few. 

Tomorrow is the 4^th of July, also known as Independence Day. As I think about the freedoms I have in my life, I find myself wondering about my desire for freedom from an internal perspective. I have spent most of my life freely handing over my power to others because I didn’t believe in my own ability to handle my challenges. But the truth is, I have always been stronger than I allowed myself to believe.

In my battle for healing from the adversities of life, including addiction and trauma, I had to unlock the heart of a warrior—my heart.  For my heart had become chained up by fear and the belief that healing was impossible. For so long I wanted to feel the strength of a warrior’s heart but could not understand how to obtain the keys to unlock it. 

I tried for many years but ended up only feeding the war. I relied on behaviors that helped me to survive but didn’t help me to live. I was trapped in a pattern that only kept me stuck or moved me backwards. That is until I started embracing the strength of my warrior’s heart which is also a heart of peace. 

I soon came to understand that true freedom came through living an authentic life. So, I’ve been on a journey of finding independence from things like shame, fear, anger, etc. I don’t feel we can ever be free from difficult emotions or thoughts. It’s just a natural part of life that these emotions or thoughts will arise. But I can gain independence from the power they carry and not be controlled by them.

For some, the word warrior may not resonate and that’s okay. I will be honest that sometimes my true nature likes to refer to myself as a badass, feels kind of powerful. I would just encourage you to give that empowering force within you a voice, to acknowledge you can overcome what is before you and that you are stronger than you think.

It would be easy for me to just post about all the difficulties I experience. However, acknowledging and embracing our inner warrior is such an important aspect of choosing an authentic life. Yes, life is hard and somedays I have longed to just cease to exist. But there has always been this strength within, a warrior’s heart that hasn’t let me give up yet. My warrior’s heart was not only unlocked but it grows every time I make choices that move me toward authenticity.

It’s also important to remember that we are in this battle together. I know there are others, like you, out in the world who tap into their warrior’s heart every day, probably without even knowing it. So, in honor of the 4^th of July, I will end with a question. What is it in your life that you want to declare your independence and will you trust in your warrior’s heart to give you the strength to do so?