05/11/2026
Nurturing our inner selves is crucial, and it's imperative we shed the notion that it's egotistical. As someone who once devoted hours to perfecting my appearance for various occasions, I'm reminded of the countless moments I spent in front of the mirror, makeup brush in hand, striking a pose, with my parents, particularly my mom, enthusiastically supporting me. We'd spend hours meticulously planning outfits for the week, not just one outfit, but an entire wardrobe, because being prepared is paramount. My mom instilled in me the importance of having a backup plan, especially when life takes an unexpected turn. Yesterday, on Mother's Day, I reflected on her invaluable wisdom, which I've made my own over time. She encouraged me to discover my daily rhythm, my guiding principles, and my source of resilience, which for me has been prayer and scripture. However, over time, I lost touch with that spark, that inner fire that drives me to be me. I shrunk myself down, stopped prioritizing my well-being, and lost sight of my purpose. I thought, why bother striving? But I've come to realize that this mindset is precisely what hinders us. We need to reignite that inner flame, that unrelenting passion that propels us to show up, shine bright, and embody our best selves. Prioritizing our well-being is not vanity; it's vital. How can we pour from a full cup if we don't tend to our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual foundations first?