Building Resilience: How I’m Setting Intentions as a Warrior
Dear Me,
It’s hard to believe that we’re already into a new year, and yet, here I am, reflecting on how much has changed and how much remains the same. The past has shaped me into who I am today—each triumph, each struggle, each moment of growth. But the journey doesn’t stop. And as I continue to walk this path, I realize that building resilience isn’t just a destination, but an ongoing journey that I choose to embrace.
2024. On my birthday Nov 13th!
39 Years Strong 💪🏾 | Celebrating another year of resilience, grace, and the warrior spirit that never quits. Here's to thriving with sickle cell and embracing every moment. 🩸
❤️ #39AndThriving #SickleCellWarrior #ResilientAndRadiant
This year, I’m not just setting intentions—I’m mapping out the next chapter.
It’s a chapter that asks me to show up fully, to keep pushing when it’s hard, and to trust in my ability to rise. So, I’m sharing these intentions not as goals, but as markers along the path that remind me where I’m headed, why I’m walking, and how far I’ve come.
Starting Where I Am: The beginning of a journey is never easy. It’s easy to look at the road ahead and feel overwhelmed, but I’m learning that where I am right now is enough. This year, I’m starting right here, with all my strengths, limitations, and imperfections. I’m not waiting for the “perfect” moment to begin—this is the moment, and I am taking that first step.
Reclaiming My Power: As a sickle cell warrior, I’ve often felt powerless in the face of my health challenges, like life was happening to me, not with me. But that ends now. This year, I’m reclaiming my power. I’m choosing to own my story—acknowledging both the pain and the strength that comes from it. It’s time to stop letting circumstances dictate my path. I will set my intentions and move with purpose, knowing I hold the reins.
Navigating the Tough Terrain: There are moments when the road feels rocky and the obstacles seem insurmountable. In those moments, I’ll remind myself that it’s okay to stumble. Resilience isn’t about never falling—it’s about the courage to get back up. This year, I’ll take the rough terrain in stride. I’ll lean into the discomfort, knowing that every challenge is a chance to build muscle—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Finding Meaning in the Struggles: Along this journey, there will be moments when I question why things are so hard, when it feels like progress is slow. But I’m learning that there’s meaning in the struggles. Every hardship carries a lesson, a tool that can help me navigate the future with greater wisdom. I’ll pause and reflect, trusting that even in the hardest moments, there’s growth unfolding.
Celebrating the Milestones: It’s easy to get caught up in the destination, thinking that the journey will only matter once I’ve “arrived.” But I’m learning that every step, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Every victory, no matter how subtle, is proof of my resilience. This year, I will celebrate the small wins—because they add up to something much bigger than I ever imagined.
The journey is far from linear. It’s full of twists, turns, and unexpected detours. But it’s mine, and it’s beautiful in its messiness. This year, as I continue to build resilience, I’ll remind myself that it’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up, embracing the bumps along the way, and trusting that every step is part of the process.
So, here I go—walking the path with intention, embracing the journey, and knowing that no matter how it unfolds, I am exactly where I need to be.
With unwavering faith in the journey,
Whitney
