The Unedited Beginning—The Lioness Within

🎤 Behind the Roar | August 9, 2025

Some days, the universe speaks so clearly that you can’t ignore it.

Today’s sign? A gold lioness cub staring back at me from my desktop wallpaper—the very animal that inspired Roar Like A Woman.

I can’t help but think back to the spark that started it all. For me, it was Helen Reddy’s anthem I Am Woman (Hear Me Roar). That song wasn’t just background noise—it was a declaration, a mirror, and a dare to step into my strength. Over time, that strength became the image of a lioness—fierce, protective, unapologetically herself.

And from there, this book was born—with the image of a lioness, words pouring out of her roaring mouth.

A look at the very first words

When I first started Roar Like a Woman, I poured my heart onto the page with no filter. It was raw, unpolished, and real—and it captured exactly what this movement means to me.

Here’s a piece of that original, unpublished introduction:

Your Inner Lioness Awaits 

That’s why I’m writing this book. Because I know what it feels like to be overlooked, underestimated, or dismissed. And I also know the fire it takes to rise anyway.

As women, we are often expected to do more and be more just to keep pace with our male counterparts. We fight invisible battles every day—battles with bias, with burnout, with that little voice in our heads telling us we’re not enough.

But when we stop apologizing for who we are and start stepping into our full presence, we tap into something powerful—our inner lioness. Now, why the lioness and not, say, a tiger or cheetah or panther? Because the lioness is not only sleek and powerful—she leads, she protects, she hunts, she nurtures. In the animal kingdom, she is the backbone of the pride. She is both fierce and graceful. She doesn’t roar for attention—she roars because she owns her space.

That’s the energy I want you to carry with you through this book. Inside each of us is a lioness who’s been waiting patiently, observing, and gathering strength. She’s ready when you are. And trust me—you are ready. All you have to do is start listening to her. This book is your invitation to do just that.

And if you’re reading this book and you don’t identify as a woman—welcome. I’m glad you’re here. The stories and reflections in these pages are rooted in the female experience, but the truths about personal power, boundaries, growth, and courage are universal. My hope is that reading this helps you not only discover strength in yourself, but also develop deeper understanding, compassion, and respect for the powerful women in your life.

Each chapter in this book focuses on a single empowerment word—a word meant to challenge, inspire, and awaken something inside you. You can read one word per day or per week, depending on the pace that feels right.

Each chapter includes three key parts: A powerful breakdown of what the word means—with personal reflections from my own life, A section that invites you to ask, Are you holding yourself back?, Practical tools to help you build skills and embody that word in your daily life. As you explore each word, speak it aloud. Reflect on what it means for you. Let it shape your decisions, your conversations, your confidence.

This is more than a book—it’s a personal empowerment toolkit. Use it to tap into your boldest, most fearless self. Use it to rise. Use it to roar like a woman.  

Why I’m sharing this with you

Because dreams don’t start as perfect visions. They start as sparks. As scribbles in a notebook. As an idea you can’t quite shake, even on the hardest days.

I want you to see that your own roar doesn’t have to be flawless to be powerful — it just has to be yours.

Your roar is your own — and the world is waiting to hear it. 🦁

— Ronda 💛

📖 Want More?

This blog is just one thread in the fabric of this movement. In my book Roar Like A Woman, I share 35 empowering words, personal stories, and strategies to help you own your own voice, rise in your strength and live #WithPurpose.

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

Keep roaring!
— Ronda 💛