I Am a Warrior

I might look delicate on the outside, but I am tough as steel on the inside. I think we were all sent to this earth to be warriors. This life is not easy. We all have specific challenges we deal with throughout our lives. Obstacles that stand in our way of achieving our dreams or simply feeling at peace. Oftentimes, those challenges are internal factors that keep us bound to debilitating thinking patterns or self-destructive habits. We try to break free, but somehow, they continue to pull us back. Other times they are external factors, like toxic friends, family, or work settings. We know we must find an exit, but we keep moving in circles.

Conquering those difficulties are what makes us warriors. I think the definition of a warrior has been convoluted much like most concepts in the system. A warrior is not just someone who fights a physical battle to protect their family or freedom. A warrior is someone who wakes up every day and goes to war with themselves; their mind, their demons, insecurities, and emotions. 

Dr. Wayne Dyer, one of my favorite psychologists, frequently said that whatever statement you put after I Am, you become. “The words I am, which you consistently use to define who you are and what you are capable of, are holy expressions for the name of God—the highest aspect of yourself. Beginning with your inner dialogue, simply change the words that define your concept of yourself. Redefine your self-concept by choosing the words that you opt to place into your imagination.”

After contemplating on this explanation, I changed how I spoke to myself. I hadn’t realized how negative my inner dialogue had been at times, especially in moments of defeat or seasons of tribulation. Looking back on my life, I see that my strength and confidence are mostly derived from battling and overcoming those adversities.

I am a warrior in God’s army. I am a spiritual warrior. I recognize the presence of evil in the world, and I do not allow it to manipulate my actions. I am a mental warrior. I am constantly going to battle against my mind and negative thoughts. I might not always win, but I always fight. I am a truth warrior, consistently searching for the truth, despite how unpleasant it might feel. I don’t live under the umbrella of illusion.

You are the warrior in your story. No matter how society defines you, or which labels it assigns to you. You must believe it, you must walk the path, and then let the external world try to characterize you, or coerce you to take certain actions. Let it try. Because when you walk the path of the warrior, no one will be able to mess with your mind. You are God’s creation. You are a free human gifted with an intellect and free will. You were put on this earth to serve a purpose. Find the warrior within. Be bold, confront your fears, and advance forward with intention.