You Don’t Need to Become Someone Else to Be Powerful
🖋️ The Lioness Journals | July 14, 2025
During the last several months, I have been on a transformative journey—one marked by hours of self-reflection focusing on where I’ve been, how fully I’m living in the present moment, and where I’m headed in the future. These aren’t questions; but rather invitations to gain clarity and stand confidently in the direction of my life.
I wrote last week about authenticity—staying true to who I am—and the challenges of holding that truth, even when it is uncomfortable. And while I haven’t fully shared the details of “what” I’m navigating right now, I’ve chosen to remain somewhat vague to protect certain establishments that, frankly, aren’t yet mature enough to know better.
But let me be real for a moment: my current situation continues to challenge me—daily—to stay rooted in myself. I repeat mantras like:
“Don’t back down.”
“Don’t shrink to fit in.”
“Stop apologizing for being yourself.”
And it’s not easy. Because I am tired—mentally and physically exhausted—from the constant energy it takes to remain authentic.
But this weekend, I had an epiphany.
I have been framing my experience as a “fight” against expectations—against the biases and beliefs that still tell women to stay quiet and small. But when I re-read the opening of Roar Like A Woman: Part I — Identity and Inner Worth, I was reminded of this:
Before you can rise, roar, or lead, you must know who you are—
and believe, without hesitation, that you are enough.
— Ronda K. Salazar, Roar Like A Woman
And just like that, I realized—I am not fighting.
I’ve been showing up.
I’ve been reconnecting with who I already am.
I simply forgot to remember that I am enough.
Which leads me here. This week, I want to walk alongside you as we travel through the mindset of self-discovery. I want to remember how far I’ve come—and take pride in the journey that’s brought me here. Because that journey began with exploring the roots of who I am—understanding the core beliefs that define the very essence of my identity.
And I want to encourage and empower you to do the same. Because when we pause and honor the steps we have already taken—the steps that already keep us grounded in our own self-identity and worth… when we celebrate how we think, speak, feel and show up in the world—that is empowerment in motion.
🟡 Reflection Prompt:
As we step into this new week, I challenge you to reflect on the following:
Recognize your individuality
Remember that you are enough just as you are. Let that truth guide how you show up, and take pride in your uniqueness.
Challenge negative self-talk
When your inner critic speaks up, don’t give it the mic! Notice those thoughts, then reframe them into a positive mindset with compassion and strength.
Explore self-compassion
Treat yourself with the same kindness you offer others. Use affirmations to remind yourself how amazing you truly are. Embrace phrases like:
“I am enough.”
“I am capable of achieving my goals.”
“I am worthy of love.”
Choose phrases that resonate with you—and say them throughout the week.
This is the heart of the Lioness Journals: reflecting, reconnecting, and roaring from the inside out.
Let’s keep going.
💭 Weekly Practice
· What are some ways you can prioritize self-care this week to nurture your authenticity and self-worth?
· Which reflection above speaks to you the most—and what will you commit to?
· What limiting beliefs are standing in the way of you showing up fully as your true self?
This isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about knowing better. Knowing that you are enough—just as you are.
Say it out loud in the mirror each morning:
“I am enough, just as I am.”
And be proud of the way you show up—in every meeting, every encounter, every event.
You don’t need to become someone else to be powerful.
You simply need to reconnect with who you already are.
— Ronda K. Salazar, Roar Like A Woman
And if no one else tells you this today, please hear it from me:
I care about you.
I believe in you.
And I’m in this with you.
Let’s keep becoming—together.
Because you matter.
📖 Want More?
There’s so much to uncover and reclaim within ourselves.
In Roar Like a Woman, I explore 35 empowering words to help you reconnect with your voice, your power, and your worth.
👉 Order your signed copy of Roar Like A Woman
Let the roar rise.
— Ronda 💛