“I have chosen to no longer be apologetic for my femaleness and my femininity. And I want to be respected in all of my femaleness because I deserve to be.”
—Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, We Should All Be Feminists

Evening Star
Lately, I’ve been feeling adrift in my own life. Where am I going? What am I truly doing… the big angst only-one-life kind of questioning. During these times, I try hard to keep an ear out for Spirit to speak to me. And a few weeks ago, four simple words arrived.

Stand. Speak. Share. Persist.

These four simple words have become a guiding focus, reminding me of the importance of being me, sharing myself, and to keep going for a fulfilling life.

STAND

Stand is about owning who I am, embracing my uniqueness, and refusing to conform to societal expectations. It’s a reminder to be authentic and true to myself, regardless of external pressures or judgments.

Standing out can be daunting, especially for women. We may fear rejection, criticism, or being labeled as “different.” And yet, I know that it’s precisely our uniqueness that makes us valuable. When we stand in our authenticity, we attract people and opportunities that align with our true selves, leading to more meaningful connections and a sense of fulfillment.

Standing also means taking a stand for what I believe in. “Stand,” is a call to action, a reminder to stand tall and unwavering in the face of adversity. Whether advocating for social justice, environmental sustainability, or personal growth, standing up for our convictions can be a powerful force for positive change. It requires courage, but it’s through these actions that we can make a difference.

SPEAK

Speaking is about using my voice and to communicate thoughts, feelings, and ideas. It’s a reminder that our words have power, and they can influence, inspire, and connect with others.

Speaking doesn’t require a grand stage or a captive audience. Often, we underestimate the impact our words can have on others and the world around us. When we find the courage to speak our truth, we open the door to deeper connections and personal growth.

SHARE

Sharing is also about vulnerability. It’s about opening up and allowing others to see my imperfections and struggles.

Secondly, sharing is about giving back and fostering community. It’s a reminder that our actions can have a positive impact on the lives of those we touch. It’s about giving without expecting something in return, whether it’s our time, knowledge, resources, or simply our love and support.

When we share, we create a ripple effect of positivity that extends far beyond ourselves.

PERSIST

Persistence is about staying committed to goals and dreams, even in the face of obstacles and setbacks. It’s a reminder that success often requires patience and resilience. It’s easy to become discouraged when our efforts don’t yield immediate results, but true progress often comes from the ability to persevere.

Persistence is not about blindly pushing forward without reflection. It’s about learning from mistakes, adjusting strategies, and continuing to work toward our aspirations. When we persist, we discover our inner strength and resilience, which empowers us to tackle even the most daunting challenges.

In the ever-evolving journey of self-discovery, “Stand. Speak. Share. Persist.” is helping me approach challenges, interact with others, and navigate life. These four words serve as a compass, guiding me toward a life filled with purpose, authenticity, and meaningful connections. They remind me to stand up for what I believe in, to speak up for what matters, to share with generosity and compassion, and to persist in the pursuit of my dreams.

May these words also inspire you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and to live a life that is authentically yours, filled with purpose and meaning. I’d love to hear your thoughts and/or your phrase you use to keep you focused and moving forward.

MANTRA: I embrace the present moment.
Stand. Speak. Share. Persist.