I carry strength I haven’t even fully discovered yet.

Yesterday was rough. I was a little under the weather, and thankfully, I had listened to my body that morning and chose rest. But it wasn’t just about not feeling well, or skipping a workout, or breaking routine. It was deeper than that. It was my mental state. My emotional state.

I care deeply for humanity. I always have. And when I witness disaster, hatred, and power used to harm others, it shakes something in me. I will never understand how we, so capable of compassion, connection, and growth, can be so destructive to one another.

It took everything I had just to stay afloat. I didn’t rise above it all, but I didn’t sink either. I discovered a strength I hadn’t seen before. Maybe it’s always been there, waiting to be nurtured. I kicked and flailed to keep my breath, but I did it. I made it through the day.

And it wasn’t just that inner strength that carried me. It was the reminder that I’m not alone. That I have a community. A chosen family of incredible humans who care, who love, who lead with heart. It was a customer who said, “All we have to be are good humans.” That stayed with me. Even if it’s just a flicker, it was hope. Hope that we can band together, even in the smallest ways, and make that hope louder.

While my day ended on a high note, some of those feelings still lingered and bubbled up again overnight. I didn’t sleep well and was up early, but I’m choosing to show up for myself today. I will get back into my routine. And as I type this, I realize that’s part of this undiscovered strength too. In the past, I would have just shrugged it off and said, “I’ll get back to it eventually.” But now I know I can and will show up for myself. I’m learning that I don’t have to feel completely okay to make good choices. And that’s a big shift.

Today I’m grateful for anyone who leads with love. For anyone who believes in being a good human. For anyone who carries the torch of hope, even when it flickers. I see you. I appreciate you. And even if I’m still carrying some of yesterday’s emotions, I’m grateful for today. I’m grateful to know I don’t have to carry it alone.

If today or any day feels heavy for you too, know that you’re not alone. We all carry invisible weights, but we also carry strength we haven’t yet named. Take a breath. Feel your feet on the ground. And remember, even staying afloat is an act of resilience. What strength have you shown yourself lately, even in the smallest of ways?