Description
I was born into warriorhood. My father was a US Marine and the idea that I would need to fight for what was mine in life was ever present in my upbringing. I was fortunate to have a father who believed that being a girl was simply a matter of different biology. I was never told I was beautiful, instead I was told I could do anything I set my mind to do. I could accomplish all things I ever wanted if I was willing to put in the work. My father used to love it when people would comment about how skilled I was at using powertools and hard manual labor. He taught me to respond with: “Girls can do anything boys can do, only better!”
I was prepared for the fight, always. What I was unprepared for, was that I would end up fighting WITH myself, not just FOR myself. I’ve lived an highly independent life for 40 years, but the biggest challenge I’ve faced yet, was giving up on that independence. 6 years ago, I suddenly lost sight of what my life had amounted to; I lost it along with the ability to care for myself at times. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The first sign of trouble was the inability to walk from the parking lot to the building I worked in with ease. I went from running 5 miles a day to barely able to walk a few yards without resting.
Over the past 6 years I have learned what warriorhood means in terms of self. I have learned that allowing yourself to “fall” isn’t as easy as we imagine. “Falling Home” was the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced. Learning how to push myself without fear of losing my identity. Learning to fall, with hope and faith that I have the ability and strength to endure even the most difficult of times.
