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Roar louder than your demons

Roar louder than your demons

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  • Lost in the Woods With My Chosen Family

    July 6th, 2025

    Describe your most memorable vacation.

    In a world that glorifies hustle and constant connection, we often forget what it feels like to truly slow down. Years ago, I had the chance to do just that — to step away from the endless pings, meetings, and scrolling, and escape into the heart of the woods with my chosen family.

    We found a cozy cabin nestled miles away from any main road, surrounded by towering trees and a chorus of singing birds. The minute we pulled up, I could feel the weight lift from my shoulders. No cell service, no Wi-Fi, no expectations. Just us, the trees, and the soft rhythm of nature.

    Mornings were slow and gentle. We’d wake up to the golden light streaming through the pine needles, we made breakfast, and gather around a creaky wooden table with some Legos. Conversations drifted lazily from deep, soul-baring talks to ridiculous inside jokes that had us gasping for air between laughter.

    The days blurred in the best way possible. We wandered along mossy trails with no agenda, picked wildflowers, dipped our toes in the icy pond, floated on the water and watched the sun paint the sky as it disappeared behind the hills. Meals were simple and shared — fresh veggies, grilled food, and sticky s’mores by the fire.

    But the real magic wasn’t in the activities; it was in the moments. The quiet ones, where someone would hum an old song while cooking, or when we’d all fall silent together just listening to the wind and rain. The way we supported each other, held space for each other, and simply existed — it reminded me why they’re my chosen family.

    Nights were for stories under star-splashed skies and sitting close enough to hear each other’s hearts. We fell asleep to the sounds of crickets and distant owls, feeling more connected than ever — even without a single bar of signal.

    That vacation taught me that the real beauty of life lies in its simplest, tiniest moments: the smell of rain-soaked earth, the warmth of shared blankets, the comfort of knowing you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

    When I look back, I don’t remember the exact dates or even the specific trails we hiked. I remember the feeling: slow, peaceful, real. And that’s a feeling I’ll carry with me, long after the forest has faded from my view.

    -🦩

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  • When the Body Speaks: Physical Symptoms Women May Experience When They Emotionally Withdraw From a Partner

    July 5th, 2025

    The human body is a remarkable communicator—often expressing what the mind is still grappling with. For women, emotional disconnect in intimate relationships doesn’t just manifest psychologically; it can also show up in tangible, physical symptoms. When a woman’s body begins to “reject” a partner, it’s not a conscious decision, but rather a somatic response to emotional discomfort, stress, or unresolved conflict. This phenomenon can occur in both healthy relationships going through hard times or in partnerships where deeper incompatibility or emotional harm exists.

    Here, we explore the ways a woman’s body may signal emotional rejection of a partner and why paying attention to these signs matters.

    1. Decreased Libido and Sexual Aversion

    One of the most common physical signs of emotional detachment or rejection is a sudden or persistent drop in sexual desire. If a woman feels emotionally neglected, unsafe, or disconnected from her partner, her body may instinctively pull back from sexual intimacy. This can show up as:

    • A lack of interest in physical closeness

    • Discomfort or irritation during sex

    • Feeling “numb” or emotionally absent during intimacy

    In some cases, the body may even respond with pain—such as vaginismus (involuntary muscle contractions) or other forms of sexual dysfunction that have no clear medical cause but are tied to emotional conflict.

    2. Chronic Fatigue and Low Energy

    Emotional stress—especially when caused by feeling unsupported, dismissed, or emotionally hurt—can cause the nervous system to remain in a heightened state of alert. Over time, this may drain a woman’s energy and present as chronic fatigue, low motivation, and a general sense of being emotionally and physically “shut down” around her partner.

    Fatigue may also serve as the body’s way of withdrawing from the relationship dynamic, offering a kind of “escape” from continued emotional engagement.

    3. Somatic Complaints (Headaches, Stomach Aches, Muscle Tension)

    When the heart isn’t aligned with the relationship, the body may protest through unexplained aches and pains. This can include:

    • Headaches or migraines that appear after arguments or forced intimacy

    • Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, bloating, or loss of appetite when thinking about the partner or spending time together

    • Tight shoulders, jaw clenching, or a heavy chest during interactions with the partner

    These symptoms are often connected to stress hormones and a nervous system stuck in a state of emotional discomfort.

    4. Sleep Disturbances

    Women emotionally rejecting their partner may find their sleep patterns disrupted. Insomnia, vivid or disturbing dreams, or waking up with anxiety can reflect internal turmoil. The subconscious mind continues to process disconnection or emotional pain during sleep, often making the body restless even when physical exhaustion is present.

    5. Menstrual Irregularities or Hormonal Imbalance

    Chronic stress and emotional dissonance can interfere with the endocrine system, leading to:

    • Missed or irregular periods

    • Heavier or more painful menstruation

    • Increased PMS symptoms (mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness)

    While there are many possible medical explanations for hormonal shifts, emotional distress within a relationship is often an overlooked contributor.

    6. Avoidance Behaviors and Immune Suppression

    If a woman feels emotionally unsafe or repelled by her partner, she may subconsciously begin avoiding physical proximity—preferring separate spaces or feeling irritable when touched. Over time, chronic emotional stress can also lower immune function, making her more susceptible to colds, flus, or general illness. The body quite literally becomes “worn down” by the emotional burden.

    Why This Matters

    It’s important not to pathologize these symptoms without a full understanding of their emotional context. While medical conditions should always be ruled out, it’s equally essential to recognize that emotional distress—especially within an intimate relationship—can have profound physical consequences.

    Understanding the body’s signals allows for deeper self-awareness and the opportunity to reflect on one’s emotional truth. For some women, these symptoms may signal a need to re-evaluate the relationship, seek counseling, or reclaim personal boundaries. For others, they may serve as an invitation to open dialogue and work toward healing and reconnection with their partner.

    How To Move Forward…

    A woman’s body can become a powerful barometer of her emotional state. When rejection or detachment from a partner occurs—whether due to conflict, incompatibility, or trauma—the body often speaks up. Listening to these physical symptoms is not just about health—it’s about honoring the full complexity of emotional experience.

    If you or someone you love is experiencing these kinds of physical reactions in a relationship, seeking support through therapy, journaling, or open, trusted conversations can be an important first step toward understanding and healing. When a partner is supportive and willing to grow together, these challenges can be worked through, and a true, deeply loving relationship can be built on trust and mutual care.

    -🦩

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  • What Does “Romantic” Mean to Me?

    July 3rd, 2025

    What’s your definition of romantic?

    When people hear the word romantic, they often picture candlelit dinners, red roses, and handwritten love letters. And while all those things can be beautiful gestures, I think “romantic” goes so much deeper than the traditional ideas we see in movies or on Valentine’s Day cards.

    To me, romance isn’t just about grand gestures — it’s about the small, quiet moments that show deep connection and thoughtfulness. It’s about the ways we show someone we truly see them and care for them.

    Romance is when someone remembers how I take my coffee or notices when I’ve had a hard day without me saying a word. It’s when they send a text just to check in or leave a note on the bathroom mirror to make me smile before work.

    Romantic means making time for each other even when life gets busy — putting down the phone, turning off the TV, and really listening. It’s the comfort of knowing you’re safe and loved, even in sweatpants, hair in a messy bun, no fancy dinner in sight.

    I also think romance is about shared dreams: planning a future together, laughing about silly inside jokes, supporting each other’s goals even when they seem impossible. It’s the trust that builds slowly over time, brick by brick, through kindness and patience.

    Romantic moments can happen anywhere — in a crowded grocery store, on a quiet walk at sunset, or during a late-night drive with your favorite songs playing. It’s less about where you are and more about who you’re with and how they make you feel.

    For me, romance isn’t about perfection. It’s about sincerity, vulnerability, and choosing each other again and again, every single day.

    So yes, a bouquet of flowers is nice. But a hug when I need it most? That’s romantic. A forehead kiss when I’m half-asleep? That’s romantic. Being fully present with each other? That, to me, is the most romantic thing of all.

    -🦩

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  • Monologue:

    June 25th, 2025

    You think you know me.

    The quiet one. The soft one. The one who used to beg for scraps of love you never thought I deserved.

    I remember all of it.

    Every laugh when I cried. Every look that said I wasn’t enough. Every time you turned your back, convinced I was too small to matter.

    You were wrong.

    I don’t ignite in flames, nor do I shatter into chaos. That would have been far too simple for your understanding.

    The crack in the foundation.

    The shadow in the room you can’t explain. I used to speak with warmth, you know. My words… they were full of love once.

    Gentle. Forgiving.

    Now they drip with poison, dressed up in politeness. You don’t even notice the dagger until you’re bleeding.

    To my so-called friends:

    The ones who watched me drown,

    Then laughed from the shore. I serve you smiles now, but behind every one, a reckoning brews.

    And to family—

    Who taught me shame like it was my birthright.

    I don’t need to scream.

    I don’t need to fight.

    All I have to do is wait…

    And let your own guilt finish what I started.

    I’m not the girl you broke.

    I’m what was left after the breaking. And what stands before you now isn’t revenge. I am the echo of your choices. The mirror you tried to shatter. I am the weight you thought would never return.

    I don’t chase.

    I don’t plead.

    I don’t forgive.

    And I learned it all from the best.

    You.

    -🦩

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  • Break the Pattern: Choose You First and Never Settle Again

    June 24th, 2025

    How many times have you looked back at a relationship and thought, “I knew better”?

    You felt the red flags, heard the inner voice whispering, this isn’t it, and still… you stayed. You settled. You shrank.

    But here’s the truth: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep repeating the pattern.

    The Cycle: Familiar But Not Fulfilling

    We often recreate what’s familiar, even when it’s unhealthy. Maybe you grew up watching love that came with conditions or chaos. Maybe your past taught you that your needs came second, or that being chosen, even halfway, was better than being alone.

    But the cost of staying in these cycles is steep:

    • You lose connection with your intuition.

    • You forget how to be your own best friend.

    • You stop believing you deserve more.

    Choosing Yourself Isn’t Selfish — It’s Survival

    There comes a moment maybe this is yours, when you realize that putting yourself last has only led to pain, exhaustion, and resentment.

    That moment is your wake-up call.

    Choosing yourself means:

    • Saying no when it’s not aligned.

    • Taking your time before committing.

    • Refusing to explain or shrink your standards.

    • Recognizing that peace is more powerful than attention.

    You don’t need to wait until you’re broken to decide you’re worthy of more.

    Stop Settling — Start Creating

    Settling doesn’t always look like disaster. Sometimes it looks like “almost,” “it’s fine,” or “maybe it’ll change.” But you weren’t created for almost. You were built for a love that honors your wholeness, not one that feeds on your fear of being alone.

    The right relationship won’t require you to betray yourself. The right love won’t ask you to prove your worth. And that kind of relationship? It starts when you have one, with yourself.

    Break the Pattern. Reclaim Your Power.

    If you’re reading this and you feel that tug in your chest, that’s your inner self calling you home. You get to rewrite the story. You get to set new standards. You get to believe that choosing you is the beginning of everything good. So let this be the season you stop settling. Let this be the chapter where you stop waiting to be chosen and start choosing yourself, every single day.

    Because when you stop accepting less, something beautiful happens:

    More finds you.

    The right one finds you.

    You find you.

    -🦩

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  • Whispers to the Stars

    June 18th, 2025

    In the stillness of night, where silence sings low, and moonlight spills secrets the stars only know,

    I sit with the hush, with the breath of the skies, letting go of my longing with tear-brightened eyes.

    The wind carries whispers too soft to be heard, a murmur of memory, a half-spoken word.

    And in that hush, I bow my head in prayer, releasing my hopes to the cool midnight air.

    With hands turned upward, gentle and bare, I surrender to fate all the dreams that I dare.

    No resistance, no fear, no demand for reply.

    Just a love that is vast as the infinite sky. A love that gives without asking to keep, that watches, that waits, that speaks when I sleep.

    Unconditional, quiet, like the stars overhead, alive in the silence, though nothing is said.

    Beneath their eternal, unwavering gleam, I weave from the dusk a luminous dream.

    A thread spun from longing, from faith, from light, a pathway that stretches through shadow and night.

    This cosmic dance, this celestial spin, draws me gently, softly, inward, within..

    To the place where you live in the heart of my soul, where the broken is mended, and I am whole.

    I see your smile, it warms the cold air, a memory so vivid, it lingers there.

    I feel your touch, though you’re not near, and it softens the edges of all I fear.

    With every breath, I speak your name, a sacred mantra, always the same.

    I dream of the life we once began,

    Of laughter, of love, of holding hands. Though time may drift, and stars may fall, and I may not know the reason for all.

    I trust in the silence, in the pull of the tide, that love, once true, will again be my guide.

    The universe turns with a grace I can’t see, aligning the hours that bring you to me.

    And when the time is perfectly right, I’ll find your face in the hush of night. Destined and drawn, like waves to the shore, we’ll find one another, as we did before.

    For love like ours doesn’t fade with the day, it circles the stars and finds its way.

    So I wait, and I breathe, and I still believe, in the quiet things hearts can achieve.

    Until you return, or I find where you are, forever my wish, beneath every star.

    -🦩

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  • Retirement Redefined: A New Chapter of Purpose, Travel, and Togetherness

    June 16th, 2025

    How do you want to retire?

    Retirement isn’t the end of something, it’s the beginning of something else entirely. After years of working, raising a family, and navigating the ups and downs of life, I’m beginning to envision retirement not as a finish line, but as a doorway. A new rhythm. A chance to do more of what fills me up.

    Travel, Explore, and Be Present

    I want to travel. Not just to check places off a list, but to immerse myself in new cultures, revisit places that hold memories, and discover new corners of the world with my partner. Together, I envision slow mornings in unfamiliar cities, spontaneous road trips, and shared adventures that deepen our connection and feed our curiosity.

    Consulting Without the Clock

    Though I’ll be stepping away from the day-to-day grind, I don’t plan to leave my work behind entirely. I’d like to stay engaged through consulting, sharing insights, supporting meaningful projects, and continuing to make a difference, just on my own terms.

    Writing and Publishing What Matters

    Retirement also means finally having time to write. I want to capture stories, reflect on lessons learned, and maybe even publish some long-overdue research. Whether it’s academic writing or personal essays, the goal is the same: to create something lasting and true.

    More Time with Family

    One of the things I look forward to most is simply being with family. No rushed visits or scheduled check-ins just real, present time with the people I love most. I want to be there for the big moments and the everyday ones, creating new memories and strengthening our bonds.

    Quality Time with My Partner

    And above all, I want to enjoy this next chapter with my partner. Whether we’re exploring new places, relaxing at home, or starting new hobbies together, I want to savor our time, slow, intentional, and full of joy.

    Closing Thought:

    Retirement, for me, isn’t about stepping away. It’s about stepping into something new, something rich with purpose, connection, and freedom. And I can’t wait to begin.

    -🦩

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  • Tortured Soul

    June 16th, 2025
    LHJ

    She was once broken like you. Whose sickness also shone through. A tortured soul with a heart so dark. Bringing pain to all she knew.

    Both cold and manipulative, filled with lies that are everlasting. Kicked others down when they already feel low, and filled their heart with doubt and sorrow.

    In this world, where darkness may creep. Unless you desire change, you find a partner as broken as you.

    A mirror of all your crimes.

    -🦩

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  • Shouldn’t Have to Be the Bigger Person

    June 15th, 2025
    LHJ

    There’s a phrase we’ve all heard too many times:

    “Just be the bigger person.”

    At first glance, it sounds noble, like taking the high road, rising above, choosing peace. What happens when it becomes an expectation placed almost entirely on one person, over and over again? What happens when being the bigger person feels less like maturity and more like emotional labor being dumped on you?

    Let’s be honest:

    You shouldn’t always have to be the bigger person.

    The Unfair Burden of Maturity

    Being the bigger person often means swallowing anger, letting disrespect slide, and silencing our own hurt to preserve someone else’s comfort. It’s a concept wrapped in the illusion of strength, but sometimes it just feels like being told to tolerate unacceptable behavior.

    Why is it that the people who care, who try, who reflect and grow why are they the ones constantly told to rise above? It becomes a loop: someone acts out, crosses a line, or refuses accountability, and somehow you end up being the one expected to “do the right thing” by letting it go.

    It’s exhausting. And it’s unfair.

    When Forgiveness Feels Like a Demand

    There’s nothing wrong with being kind or offering grace. When kindness becomes a requirement rather than a choice, it turns toxic. You start to question your own boundaries. You feel guilty for having emotions. You wonder if you’re the problem just because you don’t want to play peacekeeper anymore.

    Let’s be clear:

    Choosing to walk away, set a boundary, or even speak up isn’t a failure of character.

    It’s a form of self-respect.

    You’re allowed to be angry. You’re allowed to say “this hurt me.” You’re allowed to not be ready to forgive, especially if the other person hasn’t shown growth or remorse.

    The Myth of Emotional Superiority

    Being the bigger person often becomes a weapon dressed up as wisdom. People will use it to silence conflict, avoid accountability, or dismiss the depth of your pain.

    True maturity isn’t just about staying quiet it’s about knowing when to speak up. It’s about having the courage to say: this isn’t okay. It’s about refusing to carry emotional weight that doesn’t belong to you.

    You don’t owe your grace to people who weaponize your compassion.

    So What Should We Be Saying?

    Instead of “be the bigger person,” maybe we should be saying:

    • “You’re allowed to protect your peace.”

    • “You don’t have to keep tolerating mistreatment.”

    • “It’s okay to expect more from the people around you.”

    Growth isn’t about endless self-sacrifice. It’s about knowing when to give and when to stop giving.


    Choosing not to be the bigger person isn’t weakness. It’s sometimes the strongest, bravest thing you can do. Standing up for yourself, reclaiming your voice, and refusing to carry the emotional baggage of others is not petty. It’s powerful.

    So the next time someone tells you to be the bigger person, pause and ask yourself:

    “Why is that my job?”

    Because maybe—just maybe—it’s time someone else stepped up. You don’t always have to be the bigger person. You just have to be the honest one.

    -🦩

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  • The Power of Words

    June 14th, 2025
    LHJ

    I wore the silence like a skin,

    it crept in slow, then settled in.

    Not fists, not bruises, just a glance,

    a word, a threat wrapped in romance.

    He didn’t shout; he rearranged

    my thoughts until they sounded strange.

    Was I too loud? Too weak? Too much?

    He’d answer questions with a touch

    a cold one, quick to let me know

    how far his quiet rage could go.

    He built a world where I was small,

    where guilt and shame stood ten feet tall.

    I stayed because I couldn’t see

    where he ended, and where was me.

    Because apologies came fast,

    and softer than the screaming past.

    Because “you’re crazy” felt like truth,

    And every fight erased my youth.

    I didn’t leave, because I learned

    to twist the pain and call it earned.

    Because love taught me to obey,

    to hope, to break, and then to stay.

    Because no one saw the war inside,

    where part of me had slowly died.

    And leaving meant I’d have to face

    the wreckage of a hollow place.

    But now I write, and now I breathe,

    and every word helps me unweave

    the knots he tied around my name and slowly, I release the blame.

    So maybe I didn’t leave back then, but I’m not her. I’m me again.

    -🦩

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