You are facing a health challenge, the next step is filled with questions from treatment, to risks, to efficacy, and long-term impact.  I Follow many folks on Twitter with life-threatening illnesses. The two communities I follow the most are those with Brain Tumors and those with ALS. 

What is it about these communities I’m drawn to?  The Fierce Nature of those living with the disease.  The triumphant spirit of waking up another day.  The ability to find joy in the smallest action, kind word, or even a joke.  We have the ability to do this before we’re ill, but too often we’re caught up in the trappings of life and bypass the simple things.

How do you identify your inner fierceness?  I think it starts with acknowledging your own bravery.  The courage to partner with a healthcare provider.  The curiosity of how others are living their best lives.  Looking for moments in your own past where courage was required and you stepped up to the plate.

In a session with my first life coach, we were discussing my willingness to take risks.  I didn’t feel brave or a risk taker.  She mirrored back to me that I was living in New Jersey and one night got on an airplane and flew to California where I would begin graduate school.  I had no friends or family there.  I didn’t even have a job, and yet I made the move and allowed things to fall into place.

Like me with the coach, sometimes it takes an outsider who has listened to your stories to give you the key unlocking your fierceness.  Don’t sell yourself short.  Give yourself the opportunity to step into the shoes of a courageous individual.  Allow your inner compassion to feed this fierce nature and see where it takes you.

For more art and prompts, follow me on Instagram/Threads: @drfiber