Courage

I am loved. Deeply, fully, and without question. I have a supportive family and friends who uplift me. But more importantly, I love myself.

Loving oneself is not just a feeling—it’s an action, a commitment, a daily practice. And for me, it begins with how I care for my body, my mind, and my soul.

Every morning, without fail, I pull out my juicer and fill it with vibrant, life-giving ingredients: carrots, celery, beets, ginger, turmeric, lemon, apple. Each sip is a reminder—this is love. This is nourishment. This is a small, powerful way I tell myself: I matter.

My meals are an offering of gratitude to the body that carries me through this life. A massive salad packed with broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, cabbage, mushrooms, leeks, and onions, all topped with a golden dressing of extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, and turmeric. Day after day, sometimes twice a day. Do I ever grow tired of it? Of course. But then I remember—I have access to these beautiful, fresh ingredients. I have the ability to prepare them, to enjoy them. How could I take that for granted?

So yes, I love myself enough to eat with intention. I love myself enough to move my body, to walk, to stretch, to breathe deeply. I love myself enough to journal, to pray, to connect with something greater than myself.

Would this be considered courageous? Perhaps. In a world that prioritizes convenience, choosing mindfulness and nourishment might be an act of quiet rebellion. But more than that, it feels right.

And that’s what I want to leave you with: listen to your gut. Listen to your intuition. Listen to your body—it will always tell you what it needs.

Love yourself enough to listen. Love yourself enough to act.

Take care.