How does 'fierce' show up in your life?

I am excited (and relieved) that Representative Deb Haaland has been appointed Secretary of the Interior, not only because I agree with her environmental stances, but because she is fierce. 'Fierce' is generative energy - it burns hot, clears the way for growth, and creates new energy in its wake. 'Fierce' fuels one more critical ED shift, supports giving notice for the job that is not a good fit, and helps us stand strong in the necessary chaos of a family actively working through trauma.

I'm noticing a healthy wave of 'fierce' in my clients right now.

It shows up when people are up against the wall - fueling a courageous leap of faith when deciding a new career path, putting one foot in front of the other with one more biopsy, or standing strong and unwavering in one's own lane when a partner is addicted. 'Fierce' can fuel stepping away from an abusive relationship.

It also shows up when there is choice. A person can choose to stay in a position that is burning them out and wringing them dry -- or they can use 'fierce' to fuel their resignation. A mother can run from the chaos in her family by defending and deflecting - chopping everyone to bits along the way - or she can call in her 'fierce' and turn to face, with empathy and patience - stretching out the discomfort into manageable bits.

'Fierce' is intense caretaking, 'fierce' is taking on the ninth month of a pregnancy in which you've felt nauseous the entire time, 'fierce' is having the difficult conversations with your partner in which you own your truth and then speak it gently. 'Fierce' is facing the neighbor, with whom you have a conflict, with curiosity instead of aggression.

If you're ready to call in more of this life giving energy, consider these two things...

Notice 'fierce' all around you. Name it. Speak it. Call it out to others. Plant the seeds. Notice, focus, nourish your ability to be 'fierce' - aligned with your values. What does 'fierce' look like to you, when connected to your top two values? Write it down, tape it to the wall near your computer so that you see it easily and often. Plant the seeds.

Do your personal work. Stuck in a deep rut that doesn't recognize 'fierce'? Perhaps you, along with many others, were taught that 'fierce' is not lady like, that it is confrontational, that it will remove opportunities instead of expand them. Make the effort to rethink who taught you those things and how that message may have served them. Explore and expand your own beliefs and healthy behaviors with support. Reach out to me or find another professional to support your self-discovery journey.

Stirring up 'fierce' can help uncover and unleash our own truth so that we can walk our talk.

Actions, aligned with values, support optimal health.