Resilience & Refill: Why Rest Is a Power Move

🎤 Behind the Roar | August 16, 2025

This week has been exceptionally heavy, so in today’s Behind the Roar, I want to share with you a glimpse into that weight. For me, it’s been the collision of upcoming changes in my professional world—unexpected shifts in positions and responsibilities—along with the quiet, unspoken work of holding space for others in my life who need me to be present. That combination left me stretched thin, depleted, and deeply reflective.

Which brings me here—because I had already planned to close out the week by sharing the story of how my #WithPurpose mantra found its way into Roar Like a Woman. I’ll still share that with you, but first I want to pause on something bigger: self-care in the midst of chaos.

Life has a way of throwing curveballs—sudden challenges that disrupt our daily flow. And like in baseball, if you freeze in place, chances are you’ll miss when it’s time to swing. The truth is, you can’t predict when the unexpected will show up, but you can prepare how you’ll respond. You can be ready to pivot, to change your stance, to adjust how you approach a situation or obstacle in your life.

And when you are thrown curveball after curveball, with no rest or reprieve, it can wear you down. Your reaction time to swing at the next curveball is compromised, your self-confidence wanes, your emotions take hold, and the self-doubt begins to set in.

That’s when self-care becomes a necessity. Not the bubble-bath kind (though those can be wonderful), but the grounding kind—the routines and rituals that keep you centered even when everything around you is a mess.

This week reminded me just how essential that practice is. Because I realized I allowed myself to get depleted this week. And I wasn’t ready for it.

But rest assured, it’s not all doom and gloom today. My tank is empty, but I want to share the ways I plan to refill it, in case you need to do something similar. It’s impossible to juggle home and work commitments, be the shining light for others in your life, continue to move forward at the same pace, all while trying to hit the curveballs life has placed in your path—you cannot do all of this without recharging.

And the first step is recognizing that you are depleted—which is hard to admit. I sometimes act like a super(s)hero—someone who always wins no matter what she is facing. But the truth is this: I am human and have limits just like everyone else.

And I am getting better at recognizing the signs now—the agitation, the irritability, the emotions simmering just under the surface. And that’s when I know: I need a break.

So, today is that break. Even as I write this blog post (a bit late, I admit), I am doing so at Pound Hound in Cincinnati—after an amazing breakfast while sipping on some wonderful drip coffee.

And when I get home later, I have a book set aside I want to read, and some Fre sparkling champagne (alcohol-free) and OJ for some mock-mosas. And I am going to relax, and recharge, and refill my empty tank.

Because if I run out of gas, there is no way I can keep moving forward #WithPurpose, following my dreams, reaching for those goals I have set, and empowering others to recognize and reclaim their worth.

This is also a reminder to me: why I chose #WithPurpose as both a personal mantra and the heartbeat of Roar Like a Woman. It isn’t about being perfect. It isn’t about doing everything flawlessly and with perfection. It’s about moving forward—even in the middle of messy, unpredictable, curveball days—with clarity, resilience, and intention.

I originally planned to share in this post the detailed roots about #WithPurpose and how it shaped my journey as both a survivor and an author. But when I sat down to write, I felt the soft nudge of my inner knowing spirit: for today, I need to be vulnerable and share my empty tank with you all, because I know I’m not alone.

And I want to leave you with this: whatever curveballs life throws at you, don’t stand frozen at the plate. Stay grounded, take a breath, and when you swing—swing #WithPurpose.

Even if you miss, you swung. And that means you didn’t give up.

And that is #RoarWorthy power and determination. 🦁

— Ronda 💛

📖 Want More?

If today’s reflection stirred something in you, I’d love for you to stay connected. Each week I share fresh perspectives in The Lioness Journals and simple, powerful Roarffirmations to keep your spirit fueled. You can also join our community email circle—your personal invitation to step deeper into the movement.

And if you’re ready to go even further, my book Roar Like a Woman is now available—packed with stories, strategies, and affirmations to help you unleash your inner lioness.

Grab your signed copy of Roar Like A Woman and join the movement.

Keep roaring!