The Dragon Within

The year of the Dragon roars with its fiery energy, a fitting backdrop for the transformation brewing within me. International Women's Day approaches, a day to celebrate the strength and resilience of women everywhere. Yet, staring at the blank page, I felt a hollowness. How could I celebrate others when I struggled to find inspiration within myself?

Days bled into each other, a monotonous routine devoid of the spark I craved. Self-doubt whispered like a serpent, coiling around my creativity, squeezing the life out of it. I yearned to write, to express the stories swirling within, but the fear of inadequacy held me hostage.

I could write about my grandmother who survived so many obstacles in her life, yet gave love so freely and easily.

Malala Yousafzai. A Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. She defied the Taliban's ban on girls' education and became a powerful voice for women's rights.

Jane Austen. A pioneering English novelist whose works of wit and social commentary broke barriers in the male-dominated literary world of the 18th century.

Michelle Obama. Former First Lady of the United States, advocate for education, healthy living, and women's rights. She is a role model for women of color and a champion for social justice.

Marie Curie. A brilliant scientist who conducted groundbreaking research on radioactivity, becoming the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the first person to win it twice.

Serena Williams. A tennis champion who has dominated the sport for over two decades, advocating for equal pay for women athletes and inspiring countless young girls to pursue their dreams.

There are so many wonderful, strong, and inspiring women who deserve attention and respect. Women who broke through barriers stood up for what they believed in and truly changed the world.

Then, a quiet revolution began. On a whim, I picked up a pen and started writing a letter. But it wasn't addressed to anyone else. It was a love letter to myself. With trembling hands, I wrote about my strengths, the resilience that had carried me through storms, and the hidden talents I'd neglected. Each word chipped away at the self-doubt, replacing it with a flicker of appreciation.

The power of self-love surprised me. It wasn't about blind arrogance; it was about acknowledging my worth, flaws and all. It was about viewing myself with the same compassion and understanding I freely offered to others.

With newfound confidence, I returned to my blank page. This time, the words flowed, not in a torrent, but in a steady stream. I wrote about the women who inspired me, the ones who defied limitations and carved their own paths. I wrote about the strength it takes to be vulnerable, to express your true self. The Dragon's fiery spirit infused my words, a testament to the power that lies dormant within us all.

International Women's Day is nearing, and this year, it feels different. I'm not just celebrating the achievements of others; I am celebrating my own journey of self-discovery. Writing became a beacon, guiding me towards self-love and inspiration. It showed me that the greatest muse often resides within, waiting to be awakened by a simple act of self-compassion.

The year of the Dragon may roar with fiery energy, but this year, I too, will roar. It won't be a deafening battle cry, but the quiet hum of self-belief, a testament to the powerful narrative we each write with our lives.

The need for belonging has been a constant thread in my life. But through it all, I've cultivated self-love and a fierce belief in myself, a journey that continues to this day.

Life hasn't always felt like a welcoming place, but I've fought hard for self-acceptance and the confidence and courage to pursue my dreams.

Finding my place and feeling truly seen hasn't always been easy. This journey of self-discovery has been filled with challenges, but also with a growing sense of self-love and unwavering belief in myself.

This year, as I celebrate the remarkable women who paved the way, I join their ranks by embracing self-love and unleashing my own inner fire. This year, I too, will roar like a dragon!