What does “Unleash Your Lioness” mean to me? Total freedom! Freedom of embracing who I was created to be with no apologies and no fear of rejection! I spent most of my life worried about how I was perceived by others; always waiting for a hint of approval be it through body language, spoken language and lack thereof. Others opinions, reactions, engagement or disengagement affected how I saw myself and how I behaved to the extreme that I would try so hard to hide those things about me that I perceived to be a nuisance to others. I tried to fit into what seemed to me a more tolerable and likable version of “me”. It was a sad way to live! On one side of the spectrum; I was hiding who I was (my successes, failures, education, lifestyle, etc.) to people who I thought did not like me because of those things. I “downplayed” all of my accomplishments and plans so I wouldn’t make others feel uncomfortable and to avoid the sting of rejection. But on the other side of the spectrum; I was hiding who I was because of my insecurities, shortcomings and feelings of inadequacy. On this side of the spectrum; I always felt the need to prove myself, to show that I was smart and capable.
In my mind, I needed to be “extra” to show that I was not insecure nor lacking anything. I needed to show that I was confident and in control. So, any hint of rejection of my performance, served as a way for me to alter my behaviors in order to fit in, be liked and accepted. I would take any form of rejection be it spoken or unspoken at face value and amended my ways because I wanted to be right, feel right in the eyes of others. I wanted to be perceived as a smart and strong woman who was capable. But, the reality was that I was trying to prove to “myself” or to that critical voice in my head (the gremlin) all these things and then some.
Nonetheless, I believed all these things and projected them unto people who mirrored these things back to me. It was so much easier to see my faults and weaknesses in others than to see them in myself. This served as a distraction so I wouldn’t have to face my own stuff, So I wouldn’t face the mirror. However, life has a way of propelling us to evolution. It is essential for our souls to grow and evolve. So, I was thrusted into the journey of self-discovery, which we all are bound to do so in our lives. In my journey to what I call wholeness, I learned that the sense of insecurity, rejection, inadequacy and self-doubt were my own inner struggles. I created this war within myself; as my true self and the counterfeit self battled it out for the prize of having full reign of my life. Was I going to live a life of bondage or a life of freedom?
Once I began embracing who I was, the beauty, the ugliness, the strength, the weaknesses, the knowledge, the ignorance, etc. then I began to embrace others and see them for who they were. Only when I saw my true self could I then truly see others. My interactions with people has changed and continue to change because my perception of myself has changed. I no longer inertly project myself unto others but I strive to learn more about who I am. Assessing if what I discover was influenced by others, experiences, culture, society, social media, etc. and knowing that I can decide to make changes or accept it as part of who I choose to be. I no longer have to accept what was prescribed to me; be it by others or self-imposed. The blueprint that was set or created can be modified! That is freedom!! I can consent to live the way prescribed or choose to live in active pursuit of understanding who I am. Ultimately, it is a choice! Choosing to live out a journey of self-discovery which leads us to our true self and life’s purpose or choosing to live out a false self, that only leads us to death. Death to our hopes and dreams. Death to our true self. It is a choice.
Let us accept the challenge to evolve, taking bold steps into the path of wholeness and purpose. We may face difficulties and obstacles along the way, but every experience will be worth it as it will get us closer to freedom! On this journey we will have to unleash our lioness and face things with much courage and faith. Learning to trust the process not fear it! Unleashing our lioness a step at a time, a battle at a time, getting stronger and more courageous living out who we were created to be.
Let us seek our truth and unleash our lioness in the world!
Evolving Mind, Body and Soul 