Avsnitt
-
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com
Own Your Mornings, Own Your Life
Episode Overview
Think about it—each morning, you wake up with a choice. Do you start on autopilot, scrolling through notifications and rushing into your day? Or do you take ownership of your morning, create space for yourself, and set the tone for what follows?
A conscious morning routine isn’t about perfection or rigid habits. It’s about choosing presence over chaos, clarity over reactivity, and intention over habit. Small, intentional shifts in your morning can create lasting momentum—leading to weeks, months, and ultimately, a life lived with more purpose.
In this episode, I share practical self-coaching tools that can help you reclaim your mornings—without needing hours of meditation or an elaborate routine.
Key Takeaways
💡 Your Morning Routine – A Conscious Choice
The first hour of your day shapes the energy you bring into the world.
Shift from reacting to intentionally creating your day.
Find a morning rhythm that works for you—it’s about consistency, not perfection.
✨ Tips for a Meaningful Morning Routine
Set aside enough time—avoid rushing.
Wake up at the same time each day to establish rhythm.
Prepare the night before—what’s on your agenda?
Define the sequence of your routine and how much time each step will take.
Create a minimum routine for busy mornings.
Be patient with yourself—this is for you.
📖 Morning Rituals for a Positive Start
Self-Coaching Questions: The quality of your questions shapes the quality of your life.
Movement: Dancing, stretching, yoga, or running—wake up your body.
Meditation: Whether five minutes or half an hour, mindfulness helps you reconnect.
Gratitude Practice: Write down three things you’re grateful for.
Affirmations: Use positive statements to reframe your mindset.
Reading & Inspiration: Start the day with something that fuels you.
Goal Setting: Write down your life goals—every single day.
🧩 Why Self-Coaching?
Most people react to life instead of creating it.
Self-coaching helps you pause, realign, and make intentional choices.
Inside my Own Your Mornings, Own Your Life guide, I share 50+ open-ended self-coaching questions spanning 13 life areas, designed to spark growth, self-awareness, and action.
🌟 What If Tomorrow Felt Different?
Imagine waking up clear instead of chaotic.
Imagine setting your own intentions instead of letting the world set them for you.
Even five intentional minutes can change the way you move through your day.
🎧 Listen in as we explore how small shifts in your morning can lead to powerful transformations.
📖 Want More? Get My Ebooklet!
Get the full Own Your Mornings, Own Your Life PDF & EPUB for just $4.99—no subscription needed!
🔗 Buy it here: Buy Booklet now ($4.99)
💛 Support My Work: Subscribe and Contribute
If this reading resonates with you, great! And if not, no worries. Take whatever may be helpful and leave the rest.
If my writing, art, and recipes resonate with you, I would be incredibly grateful if you would consider supporting my work with a paid subscription to Wild Lion*esses Pride.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity—it truly makes a difference. Together, we’re creating a space of reflection, creativity, and connection, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this journey
Let’s create intentional mornings and meaningful days—together. ✨
Download PDF and epub now for Paid Subcribers!
All files are available to Download in my “Download Section”🔗 Join here: Wild Lion*esses Pride by Jay
-
Episode Title: Finding Strength in Compassion, Joy, and Mistakes
Reflect on how your experiences, both painful and beautiful, shape your connection to yourself and the world around you.
Wild Lion*esses Pride Podcast
Wild Lion*esses Pride is a space for honest reflections and conversations that matter. Reflections on trauma healing, authenticity, and personal growth—grounded in mindfulness and self-compassion. If you connect with biographical essays that explore the complexity of identity and the journey toward wholeness, this space is for you. and would like to show your support, please consider becoming a valued patron for only $5 a month. Or a “Buy Monty some cat food as support” tip would be very generous. Thank you! 💚
A sacred land shaped by time, wind, and presence—like the canyons within us, carved by experience, resilience, and connection. In this episode, I sit by my canyon’s edge, watching the morning light carve new stories into the rock, reflecting on what healing truly means. Healing is not about leaving. Healing is about inhabiting.
I explore the Brahmaviharas—Metta (loving-kindness), Karuna (compassion), Mudita (sympathetic joy), and Upekkha (equanimity)—and how they weave through my personal journey. Through the lens of the Canyon Model and the wisdom of Ubuntu, I uncover the ways in which love, presence, and interconnectedness shape our healing and growth.
Join me in discovering how kindness does not always announce itself, how compassion lives in the unseen crevices, how joy flourishes when shared, and how equanimity teaches us to trust the path even when control is an illusion. Ubuntu whispers through every moment: I am because you are.
Poetic Reflection: We Are Because
This episode also includes a special reading of my poem, We Are Because, a reflection on belonging, love, and the unbreakable threads connecting us all. Through imagery and rhythm, the poem invites you into a space of deep recognition—of yourself, of others, of the shared breath between us.
Lessons in Mistakes: 50 mg of Mistakes
I once believed mistakes defined me, carving regret into my ribs and mistaking survival for silence. Yet mistakes are not tombstones. They do not bury us. They are stepping stones, guiding us toward understanding, resilience, and transformation. I share a personal reflection on how each fall has whispered a new truth—not failure, rather flight; not ruin, rather rhythm.
Closing Reflection & Invitation
This is why I write, why I share my stories, and why I reach out my hand. Because we do not walk alone. Because the breath between us matters. Because somewhere, in the hush before dawn, in the hush before breath, we already belong to each other.
We are because we are.
Glad to have you walk beside me.
❤️ If this episode speaks to you, please consider showing your support. Click the heart, leave a review, or share it with someone who might find comfort here.
Wild Lion*esses Pride is read across 48 US states and 40 countries.
Support My Work: Subscribe and Contribute
If this reading resonates with you, great! And if not, no worries. Take whatever may be helpful and leave the rest.
If my writing, art, and recipes resonate with you, I would be incredibly grateful if you would consider supporting my work with a paid subscription to Wild Lion*esses Pride.
If a monthly or annual subscription isn’t feasible for you right now, you can also show your support with a one-time tip via my Tip Jar here.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity—it truly makes a difference. Together, we’re creating a space of reflection, creativity, and connection, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this journey
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com/subscribe -
Saknas det avsnitt?
-
Walkthrough of Buchenwald and Weimar
This documentary takes you on a 40-minute walkthrough of the former Buchenwald Concentration Camp, located near Weimar in Thuringia, Germany. Being the largest concentration camp still on German soil, Buchenwald was deeply connected to the surrounding society.
I invite you to share this free documentary widely with friends and family. It is essential that these stories are never forgotten. Let’s keep history alive and honor those who suffered and were murdered by ensuring their voices are heard.
This journey moves through key locations in and around the camp. A full exploration of the site, including the surrounding grounds, typically takes about 2.5 hours visiting time. From there, we transition to Weimar, a city once celebrated as a center of enlightenment, now bearing the weight of its proximity to these horrors. I guide you through a 10-minute tour of the historic city center.
The journey ends with a quiet reflection in Ilm Park, where Goethe once walked.
Link to the Buchenwald Memorial Website.
Link to Weimar Tourism
1. Arrival at Buchenwald (Visitor Center, SS Barracks, Railway Tracks, SS Command Center, Gate House, Garages, Caracho Path)
The walkthrough begins at the Visitor Center, where the scale of Buchenwald becomes apparent. The remains of the SS barracks, railway tracks, and the command center reveal how the camp was administratively and logistically connected to the outside world. We follow the infamous Caracho Path, where prisoners, already weak from transport, were herded into the camp under brutal conditions.
2. Inside the Camp (Main Gate, Roll Call Square, Crematorium, Reflections, Museums, Ostracism and Violence Exhibition, Graveyard and Memorials)
Stepping through the camp’s iron gate, inscribed with Jedem das Seine (To each his own), we enter the Roll Call Square, where prisoners endured hours of forced standing in all weather conditions. The tour moves to the crematorium—an unflinching reminder of the camp’s function as a place of mass death. We pause for reflection before visiting the museum and its exhibition Ostracism and Violence, which highlights the close ties between the camp and local society. The section ends at the graveyard and memorials, where victims are honored today.
Link the the Overview on the Exhibition Ostracism and Violence
Link to the Personal Stories related to Exhibition Ostracism and Violence
Link to the Online Exhibitions of Buchenwald
Link to the Buchenwald Library
3. Outside the Camp (Quarry, Blood Road, GDR Buchenwald Memorial)
Leaving the camp itself, we visit the dog kennels, the quarry, where prisoners were subjected to forced labor under unbearable conditions. The Blood Road, paved by inmates, connects the camp to Weimar—its very existence a symbol of the exploitation that sustained Buchenwald. The section concludes with the imposing GDR-era Buchenwald Memorial, constructed in the 1950s as an ideological monument to antifascism.
4. Weimar: Between Culture and Darkness (Goethehaus, Marktplatz, Hotel Elephant, Historic City Center, Ilm Park)
A short journey from Buchenwald brings us to Weimar. Once the heart of German intellectual life, home to Goethe, Schiller, and the Bauhaus movement, Weimar’s legacy stands in stark contrast to its proximity to Buchenwald. We visit the Goethehaus, Marktplatz, and the historic Hotel Elephant before taking a short walk through the old town. The documentary ends in Ilm Park, where the serenity of nature invites final reflection on the coexistence of cultural brilliance and human cruelty.
This journey is an invitation to witness, to remember, and to reflect on the responsibilities we carry today.
5. About the production
I filmed the documentary on location in Buchenwald and Weimar on January 24th and 25th, 2025. For this project, I stayed overnight at a Boutique Hotel in Weimar, about 90 miles or a 1.5-hour drive from my hometown of Einbeck. The Buchenwald Memorial Site, especially with filming equipment, is only accessible by car.
On the first day, I spent about five hours filming Nazi history and their genocide on the premises of the former concentration camp, as well as the quarry, using my iPhone 12 Pro, a Lavaliere microphone, and a DJI Mimo II, along with my NIKON D750 DSLR for both photography and video.
On January 25th, I filmed this documentary for about two hours on location in Weimar, taking a short walk through the city center, including the Goethehaus, Marktplatz, and the historic streets. Later that day, on my way back, I stopped again at Buchenwald, as it lay along my route. I filmed the Blood Road scene as well as all footage of the GDR-era Buchenwald Memorial, spending another two hours capturing these final elements.
Post-production was completed using Adobe Premiere, with Audacity for audio editing. Most of the music was created with Suno.ai based on my prompts, and all tracks were free for cultural projects. The only piece credited under Creative Commons is J.W.S. Bach Etudes 144.
When I filmed this documentary, I already knew the United States had fallen into the hands of a figure of Germanic descent—one who openly worships the very man responsible for the existence of these concentration camps on German soil. The election of DT and the wave of re-traumatization it triggered in me—his behavior mirroring my mother’s treatment of me—was one of the underlying reasons for making this film. As a German, watching DT and his Germanic cronies rise to power made it clear, even in early October, what America was facing.
This was not a new administration but the return of a regime that echoed the very one that had built and operated Buchenwald.
I would like to thank Gloria Horton-Young and Armand Beede for their encouragement and expressing their willingness to actually watch the finished work. This made it easier for me to finish this project.
I invite you to share this free documentary widely with friends and family. It is essential that these stories are never forgotten. Let’s keep history alive.
❤️ If you find this piece meaningful, consider clicking the heart at the top or bottom of the post. It helps others discover this newsletter and brightens my day.
CULTURE HISTORY FILM U.S. POLITICS INTERNATIONAL POLITICS TRAUMA NAZI HISTORY GENOCIDE PSYCHOLOGY DOCUMENTARY
Would you be willing to support my work by subscribing or contributing? It would mean so much to me.
Creating art, testing recipes, and sharing my reflections here is a labor of love, yet it also comes with real costs. Since January 2024, I have been on sick leave due to mental health challenges. Monty and I make life work with a disposable income of €350 / $380 a month.
On February 24, 2025, a bankruptcy lawyer confirmed what I had already known—my current situation will become unsustainable. I share more about it here:
If my writing, art, ands this documentary resonate with you, I would be incredibly grateful if you would consider supporting my work with a paid subscription to Wild Lion*esses Pride.
And if I may ask—should you happen to know of opportunities for a cook, baker, barkeep, host, concierge, travel manager, personal assistant, house philosopher, systemic conversationalist, photographer, resident artist, or even a whimsical weather frog person—please pass along my name. I’m eager to embrace new adventures, wherever the tides of life and serendipity may lead me.
Your paid subscription helps keep this space ad-free, reader-supported, and accessible to everyone, while also supporting the time, creativity, and resources I dedicate to this work.
If a paid subscription isn’t feasible right now, you can also show your support with a one-time tip via my Tip Jar here.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity—it truly makes a difference. Together, we’re creating a space of reflection, creativity, and connection, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this journey
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com/subscribe -
A poetic journey through captivity, discovery, and liberation.
Keys 1 to 4 – Unlocking My Doors. Four Poems About My Way Into Freedom
In this episode, I take you through a journey of transformation—one lock at a time, one key at a time. Through four poems, I trace my path from captivity to liberation, from carrying keys I did not know how to use to no longer needing them at all.
Each poem marks a shift: from the realization of being locked away, to the discovery of the first keys, to the opening of doors, and finally, to the moment when keys are no longer needed.
Poem 1 | Locks
Before there were keys, there were only locks. I lived in silence and duty, in spaces I did not choose. This poem explores the invisible prisons of expectation, the weight of obligation, and the belief that captivity was just another name for home.
🔑 Themes:
The illusion of duty and home
Codependency as captivity
The moment before questioning begins
Poem 2 | Forgotten Keys
The first key arrived quietly, placed in my palm before I even knew what to do with it. Slowly, mentors, teachers, and healers handed me more, each unlocking a part of me I had forgotten. Some doors resisted. Some keys slipped away. But the unlocking had begun.
🔑 Themes:
The slow discovery of self
Healing through bodywork and awareness
The people who offer us the first glimpses of freedom
Poem 3 | Unlocking
The doors are no longer locked. One after another, they open—not through force, but through guidance, presence, and the quiet courage of stepping through. I name the people who stood beside me, holding out keys, reminding me that I never had to walk alone.
🔑 Themes:
Community as a force of liberation
Facing the past without fear
Stepping through the doors and into freedom
Poem 4 | Returning the Keys
I have held many keys—some mine, some never meant for me. Some opened doors I have long outgrown. This final poem reflects on what it means to return the last keys, to let go, to walk forward without hesitation. No longer locked in, no longer locked out. Simply free.
🔑 Themes:
Releasing attachments to the past
Letting go of spaces that no longer serve
Walking away without looking back
Final Reflection:
This episode is more than poetry—it is a map of my journey. Each lock, each key, each door led me here. And now, as I return the last key, I step forward. No longer carrying them. No longer searching for them.
Just walking.
Just free.
❤️ If you find this piece meaningful, consider clicking the heart at the top or bottom of the post. It helps others discover this newsletter and brightens my day.
Support My Work: Subscribe and Contribute
If this reading resonates with you, great! And if not, no worries. Take whatever may be helpful and leave the rest.
If my writing, art, and recipes resonate with you, I would be incredibly grateful if you would consider supporting my work with a paid subscription to Wild Lion*esses Pride.
If a monthly or annual subscription isn’t feasible for you right now, you can also show your support with a one-time tip via my Tip Jar here.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity—it truly makes a difference. Together, we’re creating a space of reflection, creativity, and connection, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this journey
This newsletter is free for all. Sign up so you won’t miss a post, if you haven’t already.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com/subscribe -
Reclaim Your Voice and Power
Short Summary:
In this episode, I examine how communication has been shaped by control rather than connection. I explore the systemic power structures that dictate whose voice matters, how conversations are controlled, and the hidden costs of speaking up. Through my own experiences, I share how I learned to break free—not by fighting harder, but by refusing to feed the systems that silenced me.
Communication Fails Because of a System of Control
Conversations have long been structured to maintain order, not to foster understanding.
Power dictates who is heard, who must justify themselves, and who can speak freely.
If you’ve ever left a conversation feeling drained or uncertain, you’ve encountered this system.
The Self-Sustaining Nature of Power
Power does not just exist—it protects itself through conditioning.
If questioning authority is framed as disrespect, people avoid questioning it.
If confidence is mistaken for competence, quiet voices remain unheard.
The system ensures marginalized voices are dismissed before they even speak.
How I Began to Break Free
Reclaiming my voice did not happen overnight—it was a process of small refusals.
I started setting boundaries, asking direct questions, and stepping away from manipulative conversations.
I realized I was not obligated to justify my presence or opinions.
How a Shift in Perspective Started to Break the Cycle
Systems of control collapse when they are no longer fed.
Awareness is the first step: recognizing who holds power, who is expected to accommodate, and who sets the terms of engagement.
By refusing compliance and choosing directness, I disrupt the patterns that maintain control.
A Poem About Agency: 100mg of Agency
A reflection on how words were once currency I hoarded in silence.
A moment of realization: my voice is mine to use.
Power flinches when I refuse to whisper.
The Freedom of Clarity
Breaking free is not about winning arguments—it is about choosing how I engage.
Communication is never just personal. It is political, structural, and reclaiming it is a radical act.
By refusing silence, compliance, and manipulation, I create space for something truly transformative.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Communication is shaped by power, and often structured to silence rather than connect.✅ Systems of control sustain themselves by making questioning feel like rebellion.✅ Breaking free does not mean fighting harder—it means refusing to participate in dynamics that silence you.✅ Setting boundaries, speaking directly, and recognizing manipulation disrupts the system.✅ Reclaiming your voice is an act of agency, and communication is yours to reclaim.❤️ If you find this episode meaningful, consider clicking the heart at the top or bottom of the post. It helps others discover this newsletter and brightens my day. I would be incredibly grateful if you would consider supporting my work with a paid subscription to Wild Lion*esses Pride.
Subscribe now
If a monthly or annual subscription isn’t feasible for you right now, you can also show your support with a one-time tip via my Tip Jar here.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity—it truly makes a difference. Together, we’re creating a space of reflection, creativity, and connection, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this journey
https://wildlionessespride.substack.com/ © Jay Siegmann 2025
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com/subscribe -
The reality of dignity denied
I live in Germany, where dignity is enshrined as Article 1 of our Basic Law, a principle that exists nowhere else in the world with such legal weight. It is declared inviolable, the foundation of our constitution, yet remains a contested reality in daily life.
The right words exist on paper, and the weight of history lingers in the air. Some walk freely, while others are measured, judged, and diminished by systems that were never designed to include them.
I know this world because I lived within its constraints.
Now, I remember the moment again, when my voice fell silent, the day my true self withdrew. I was eleven, standing at the threshold of a life shaped by expectations that never reflected who I was.
No hand to hold, no space where I fit.
I learned that safety came through invisibility, that dignity wasn’t something I could assume. Instead, it was something I would have to reclaim, piece by piece, after years of exile from myself.
For decades, I moved within the boundaries others had drawn. I learned to function at 200%, to be useful, to be unquestionable in competence.
Yet in all that striving, I was absent from myself.
My existence revolved around proving worth instead of inhabiting it. I adapted to a world that rewarded compliance, conditioned to anticipate rejection before it arrived.
I internalized the idea that to be accepted, I had to be exceptional, flawless, untouchable. And yet, no matter how much I achieved, dignity remained elusive, parceled out in fragments, contingent on approval, revoked when inconvenient.
Until exhaustion outweighed fear.
I stopped.
I stepped back.
And in that space, I began to see what had always been true—dignity isn’t granted or earned. It isn’t fragile nor conditional.
It simply is. It is neither permission nor privilege; it does not shrink when denied or expand when acknowledged. It belongs to each of us, unshakable, whether the world chooses to recognize it or not.
The journey, then, was not to prove my worth but to unlearn the lies that told me it was ever in question.
What is in a World that denies dignity
And yet, the world does not reflect that truth.
I see dignity treated as a privilege rather than a birthright. I see people whose humanity is questioned because of their race, gender, body, or the way they love. I see rights treated as negotiable, safety as temporary, and belonging as something to be granted by those in power.
In the United States, foundational rights unravel under each executive order.
Communities once anchored in mutual care now navigate landscapes growing more hostile by the day.
Healthcare might be dismantled. Humanitarian aid defunded. Social security in danger of being gutted. Education turned into a battleground of ideology rather than a sanctuary for knowledge.
Free speech might erode under policies designed to punish dissent. DEI—Diversity, Equity, Inclusion—erased from institutions, as if removing the words could erase the need.
Identities stripped from legal recognition, forcing millions back into invisibility. A nation where justice is no longer blind, but carefully engineered to favor the powerful.
More than 30 million lives hang in the balance, a humanitarian crisis unfolding at a scale the world has never seen.
Here in Germany, I see another side of the same story.
The law protects me, but does not see me. On paper, I have rights. In daily life, I remain an anomaly. An outsider.
A question mark in a system that still struggles to hold difference. This is a country where dignity is enshrined in Article 1 of the constitution, yet in practice, it is conditional, fragmented, unevenly distributed.
What could be possible in the World
When I think about my future, about the world and the place I would love to finally live in, I envision a world rooted in safety, dignity, and belonging. Where care is fundamental and every person thrives.
It is a world where systems serve people, not the other way around. Where creativity, connection, and rest are valued, and education inspires curiosity. In this place health and well-being are shared priorities, and kindness shapes society.
This world flourishes through self-determination, shared power, and inherent dignity. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are not decorative words. They are the foundation of collective well-being. In this world, joy is abundant, generosity flows, and harmony prevails.
Wild Lion*esses Pride by Jay resonates? Share it with someone who could use a fresh perspective on life’s journey.
The contrast between what is and what could be
Exhaustion fills the air, woven into daily life as if it were natural. Rest requires justification, productivity takes priority, and efficiency is praised above all else.
I imagine a world where time belongs to each of us, where slowing down is honored, and where fulfillment replaces depletion. Each day unfolds with balance, purpose, and the freedom to breathe deeply.
Care moves through systems designed with barriers, wrapped in bureaucracy, debt, and judgment. Seeking help turns into proving need, justifying pain, and navigating structures that see numbers rather than lives.
I dream of a world where care flows freely, where kindness is a foundation rather than an exception, and where dignity is unquestioned. Support thrives, offered without hesitation, and built into the fabric of our communities.
Belonging often depends on conformity, with acceptance feeling uncertain and spaces closing off to those who do not fit. Too many places remain inaccessible, and difference meets hesitation rather than welcome.
With my behavior I pay forward to a world where identity stands without defense, where individuality is embraced, and where every person has a place without question. Spaces open for authenticity, where presence is enough and inclusion is natural.
Education often serves systems more than minds, shaping individuals for labor rather than discovery. Schools prepare students to meet standards instead of nurturing exploration, reducing curiosity to an afterthought.
I engage in a vision where learning is a lifelong pursuit, where curiosity leads, and where knowledge moves freely. Growth expands, understanding deepens, and education fosters the full potential of every person.
Health functions as an industry, limiting healing to those with wealth while leaving others behind. People are encouraged to push through pain, endure discomfort, and accept care as a privilege rather than a right.
I invite a world where well-being belongs to everyone, where care is accessible, and where bodies are treated with respect. Healing strengthens communities, and health is grounded in compassion and equity.
Power often remains concentrated, with decisions made behind closed doors while many voices go unheard. Leadership focuses on maintaining structures that benefit a few rather than serving all.
I envision a society where power is shared, where leadership grows from care and responsibility, and where every voice contributes to shaping the whole. Governance nurtures collective well-being, prioritizing justice, fairness, and dignity for all.
Love carries expectations, given in exchange for meeting invisible requirements. Relationships shape themselves around transactions, proving worth, and fulfilling conditions.
I hope for a world where love moves without conditions, where relationships are rooted in truth, and where care flows without obligation. Every person is valued as they are, with connections built on trust, mutual support, and genuine presence.
Survival takes precedence over joy, leaving little room for play, wonder, and celebration. Pleasure often comes with guilt, as if joy requires struggle to be earned.
I create a vision where joy is abundant, where delight is part of the everyday, and where happiness is a shared experience. Laughter, rest, and creativity intertwine with life, and celebration is embraced without hesitation.
Individual achievement receives more attention than collective well-being, making competition more valuable than cooperation. Success is often measured through personal gain rather than shared progress.
I work toward a world where community thrives, where mutual support strengthens relationships, and where success is defined by how well we lift each other up. No one is left to struggle alone, and collaboration is the heart of progress.
Scarcity dominates perspectives, convincing people that time, resources, and opportunities remain insufficient.
I help shape a world where abundance is recognized, where generosity flows freely, and where having enough is not a privilege but a shared reality.
This is a world where security, dignity, and opportunity are available to all, not rationed or reserved for a few.
Living with intention, choosing actions that reflect these values, and fostering a world where safety, dignity, and belonging take root makes this vision real.
This is not just a dream—it is a path shaped by every choice, every connection, and every act of care, that I make. Every minute, every day, every week, every month, every year.
This is the world in motion, becoming more possible with each step I take toward it and you take toward it.
Extending an invitation to you
What, if the structures around you were actually never built to hold everyone? What, if their unraveling becomes an opening?
An invitation to create something new.
A chance to shape communities where presence is not conditional, where care is embedded in every interaction.
This isn’t an abstract hope.
It is already happening. In quiet decisions to choose understanding over division.
In spaces where the old rules of hierarchy and patriarchy give way to collaboration.
In small, daily acts by those who refuse to disappear.
In moments where individuals defy expectation, where communities rally against exclusion. There is the simple act of acknowledging another’s dignity, by seeing the human behind and not the object in front. This already disrupts the status quo.
I explore these possibilities, not alone but alongside others who see them too.
If you see them, if you sense them, if you are already shaping them in your own way, then you are part of this unfolding story.
Every action, every refusal to conform to outdated systems, every moment of courage contributes to the transformation. This is not a path carved by a select few; it is a collective movement, gathering strength in its diversity, in it’s equity and in its inclusion of all regardless of labels, categories or visible differences.
There is only one human blood. I does not make differences in color, ethnicity or religion. We are all human.
I am because you are.
I imagine a future where connection outweighs control and dignity is non-negotiable.
Our communities form not out of necessity but out of genuine care. In this world creativity, resilience, and belonging are the foundations of daily life. Our institutions reflect humanity rather than dictate it. The Elders serve it, they are mentors and they give their wisdom freely. Leaders lead with kindness and compassion.
Dignity is the foundation upon which a thriving world is built because it always sees the human being—me, you, we, and us. Not they and those.
It is the measure of every interaction, every policy, every act of care. And when dignity is upheld, it ripples outward, shaping culture, policies, and systems.
Yes, in Germany, dignity is enshrined in the constitution as a guiding principle, yet it has, at least partially, failed me—not because of the constitution itself, but because people have not upheld it. This failure stems not from malice but from a lack of education and understanding of what dignified action truly entails. Many lack the tools and awareness to bring this principle to life in daily interactions.
Dignity is a force that cannot be contained, but it requires us to nurture it—to learn, to practice, and to embody its principles in every moment.
This is the world I align with. The world I help shape, in every way I can. The world I invite you to co-create, knowing that your presence, your voice, and your choices matter.
What world are you imagining?
Because that—more than anything else—will shape what comes next.
I welcome you into this vision.
Please share your visions, ideas, thoughts, dreams, and wishes. No one builds a community alone. I ask for your opinion because we create this together.
I am because you are!
Thank you for walking this path with me.
❤️ If you find this piece meaningful, consider clicking the heart at the top or bottom of the post. It helps others discover this newsletter and brightens my day.
Support My Work: Subscribe and Contribute
If this reading resonates with you, great! And if not, no worries. Take whatever may be helpful and leave the rest.
If my writing, art, and recipes resonate with you, I would be incredibly grateful if you would consider supporting my work with a paid subscription to Wild Lion*esses Pride.
If a monthly or annual subscription isn’t feasible for you right now, you can also show your support with a one-time tip via my Tip Jar here.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity—it truly makes a difference. Together, we’re creating a space of reflection, creativity, and connection, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this journey
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com/subscribe -
You Were Not Meant to Live in Survival Mode
Key Focus
Survival mode is not a way to live—it’s a system response designed to keep people exhausted, reactive, and unable to imagine beyond immediate threats. This episode breaks down how control operates through fear, instability, and internalized limitation. I explore how chronic nervous system activation impacts decisions, relationships, and possibilities. More than identifying the problem, I guide you through reclaiming clarity, grounding, and long-term strategy.
What You Will Learn
How systemic instability keeps people in survival mode
The nervous system’s automatic responses to fear and uncertainty
The role of narratives, economic dependence, and isolation in maintaining control
Practical somatic tools for breaking the cycle of chronic stress
The difference between reaction and strategic action
Why movements succeed when they are built on vision, not just resistance
How to assess real options and regain personal agency
Episode Breakdown
1. Survival Mode Is Not a Personal Failing
I open with an exploration of how survival mode functions. The body reacts to instability before the mind understands it. This isn’t about overreacting—it’s about the nervous system doing exactly what it was designed to do: scan for danger and prepare for the worst. When threats are systemic, the body stays locked in a constant state of alertness, making long-term planning difficult.
2. How Control Is Designed to Keep People Stuck
Oppression does not just operate through direct force. It functions through controlling what is considered real, isolating those who resist, and tying economic survival to obedience. This chapter explores how rewriting history, criminalizing dissent, and dismantling financial safety nets create a reality where people feel powerless. None of this happens by accident.
3. The Nervous System in an Unstable World
The body does not separate immediate threats from anticipated ones. A policy change, an economic downturn, or an act of state violence triggers survival responses before the conscious mind can process the full picture. I break down the four primary nervous system responses—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—and how they shape behavior in ways that can feel impossible to change.
4. Recognizing the Difference Between Fear and Reality
Fear is real, yet it does not always reflect what is happening in the present moment. I walk through practical ways to assess what is actually changing in your life—economically, legally, and socially—so that responses are based on reality rather than worst-case scenarios. Clarity creates the space for decision-making that is rooted in choice rather than panic.
5. Somatic Practices for Regulation and Agency
Breaking free from survival mode requires more than just intellectual understanding. I introduce four foundational somatic tools—grounding, breath, orientation, and self-check—that help interrupt the cycle of chronic stress. Each practice is simple, accessible, and designed to create enough steadiness to make intentional choices.
6. Beyond Reaction: Moving Toward What You Want to Build
Every major movement in history succeeded because it was built on vision, not just resistance. I challenge you to shift from focusing only on what you oppose to considering what you are for. Change happens when people hold a clear picture of what they are working toward. I close by asking direct questions about what safety, dignity, and belonging look like for you—and what steps move in that direction.
Final Thoughts
Survival mode is not inevitable. Systems are designed, and they can be redesigned. The first step is clarity. The next step is choice. I offer this episode as a tool to support your own exploration. Listen, reflect, take what is useful, and move forward in the way that aligns with your vision.Take a moment to reflect: What are you for? Not just what you oppose—what are you building? If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who might need it. Subscribe for future episodes where I continue exploring clarity, agency, and the power of choice. Want to go deeper? Join the conversation in my Substack, Wild Lionesses Pride by Jay. Your vision matters. Let’s build toward it.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com/subscribe -
The Courage to Stay Open – Embracing Openheartedness and Kindness
Episode Summary:There’s a moment, just before dawn, when the world is suspended between darkness and light. The sky holds its breath, and for a brief instant, everything is possible. What if your heart was the same? What if it was never truly closed, only waiting for you to notice the quiet spaces where it still whispers, still beats, still reaches?
In this episode, I explore openheartedness as a daily intention and practice. We examine how trauma teaches us to build fortresses for survival and how, over time, these walls can keep us from the very connection and kindness we seek. Through personal reflections, a love letter to the self, and practical insights from Buddhist philosophy, we will uncover what it truly means to live with an open heart.
Key Topics Covered:
The liminal space between protection and constriction
How trauma influences our perception of openness
Openheartedness as an active, courageous practice
The Buddhist concept of Maitrī (Metta)—loving-kindness
Practical ways to cultivate openheartedness through intentional disorientation
A guided journaling exercise for deeper self-reflection
Segment Breakdown:
Opening Reflection: The Quiet Before Dawn
Setting the scene with the metaphor of dawn’s stillness
Inviting listeners to reflect on their own relationship with openness
The Fortress of Survival and the Threshold of Kindness
Personal reflections on trauma and the instinct to self-protect
How walls both protect and isolate
Recognizing that love, connection, and kindness wait at the threshold
The Practice of Openheartedness
Buddhist wisdom on loving-kindness (Metta)
Intentional disorientation as a tool for growth
Practical steps to expand the heart’s capacity for compassion
Journaling & Reflection
A guided journaling prompt: Where in my life am I mistaking protection for constriction?
Encouragement to explore moments of emotional withdrawal and self-protection
Closing Thoughts & Invitation to Engage
Key takeaways: Kindness is not something to chase but something to embody
Final reflections: What if the kindness you’ve been seeking has been with you all along?
Encouraging listeners to share their insights and engage with the journaling practice
Call to Action:
If this episode resonates with you, consider subscribing to my podcast and joining the Wild Lion*esses Pride community. Your support allows me to continue creating meaningful content, and a paid subscription helps sustain this space for deep reflection and connection.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com/subscribe -
It’s the kind of morning that feels too heavy for words.
The café is bustling, the air thick with the low murmur of conversations, the clink of coffee cups, the shuffle of feet against worn tiles. My seven closest friends and I are huddled around a table, a kaleidoscope of identities and backgrounds blending together. Some of us are queer, some not. There’s a Latino among us, a Chinese-American, and one friend who carries the weight of two worlds—Black and Indigenous heritage wrapped in their skin. And then there’s me, a survivor of violence, someone learning how to navigate the shifting tides of a world that’s becoming less and less familiar.
The world that’s becoming more and more oppressive.
It’s been seven days since Trump’s regime began tightening its stranglehold on our nation. Seven days of totalitarian rule—each one feeling like a slow suffocation.
We’ve witnessed the unraveling of our freedoms, the crushing of dissent, the stripping of dignity from those who don’t fit into the narrow boxes that power wants us to inhabit. We’re all aware of the danger outside, but here, in this moment, we’re together, in a space that feels like it could be safe. I tell myself that, at least for now.
We talk about the news, about the endless assaults on civil rights, on the daily erosion of what we thought we knew about democracy. But under the surface, there’s more. There’s always more. None of us know the full story, but we all feel it.
One of us is quiet today.
Too quiet.
They’ve been here with us through everything, the one who’s usually the loudest, the most vocal about all the absurdities in the world. But today, they’re different. It’s not just that they’re not talking, it’s that they’ve stopped looking at us. Instead, their gaze keeps shifting toward the door, the windows—outward, always outward. They’ve become withdrawn, pulled inward by something none of us have the courage to ask about.
The conversation ebbs and flows, but their silence is louder than anything we’re saying. It doesn’t take long before they finally speak, and when they do, their words hit me like a punch to the gut.
“I’m illegal.”
The words hang in the air like smoke, and suddenly everything else feels small. I can feel the room contract. The three of us closest to them look at each other, unsure of what to do, unsure of what to say.
Illegal. That’s the word we’re left with.
But we know what that means, don’t we? We know what that really means. It means they’ve been living in fear.
It means that at any moment, someone could show up, could rip them from this space, from our lives, from this community we’ve built, all because of a label the system has slapped on them.
The terror of it is suffocating. But there’s more beneath it.
The real heart of this isn’t about the word “illegal,” it’s about the way this system has dehumanized them, stripped them of their worth by reducing them to a label, to an object, to something that doesn’t deserve the same rights as others.
The system wants us to forget that we are all people, worthy of dignity, no matter our status, no matter our flaws. It turns us into numbers. It strips us of our humanity.
This is the world we live in now.
A world that tells us, over and over, that we are not enough.
And so we sit in silence, each of us holding the weight of it in our chests, unsure of how to speak to that which cannot be fully named.
Our friend—my friend—fears being caught, detained, and ripped away. They’ve been living with the knowledge that they are a target, that their very existence in this country is something that could be erased in an instant.
And for now, we don’t speak the words. We don’t ask the questions. We just let the silence stretch between us.
And then I think about the silence, and how powerful it can be.
How often in our lives, especially now, we’re taught that to be heard, we must speak. We must have an opinion on everything.
Our world, in all its chaos, demands that we constantly perform, constantly react, constantly respond. Everyone has something to say—about everything. About politics, about social issues, about climate change, about race, about what’s right and what’s wrong.
And what if we don’t have anything left to give?
What if we’re too tired, too overwhelmed by the weight of it all to keep speaking, to keep defending, to keep fighting?
I’ve been in situations before where my boundaries are tested, where someone imposes their will on me, telling me what I should do, what I must do. I’ve been in those moments where I have to force myself to say, “I’m sorry, but I don’t have the capacity for this right now.” It feels like a small thing to say, but it is everything.
The truth is, when the world demands so much of you, when every conversation turns into a battleground, when every relationship feels like an obligation to perform—to agree, to argue, to keep up—there comes a moment when silence is the only option. Not because I don’t have anything to say, but because what I say doesn’t feel like it matters anymore.
And I need to protect what’s left of my spirit.
And maybe that’s what the world is asking of us right now.
Maybe it’s asking us to take a stand in our silence.
The constant pressure to have an opinion on everything, to comment, to react, to engage—is that really necessary? Do we truly need to say something about everything, or can we just let some things be? In a time where words can be twisted and turned against us, where speaking up feels like a form of exposure, can we choose silence as a form of resistance?
The power of silence is in what it withholds, and in what it protects.
I think about how silence has been a tool in many aspects of my life, in many of our lives. In a meeting at work, when a colleague proposes an idea that doesn’t sit right with me, I can feel the urge to speak up, to argue against it, to defend my position. But what if, instead of reacting, I simply allowed my silence to speak for me? What if I chose not to engage, to trust that the silence itself was loud enough, that my lack of defense would be enough to make the point?
In those moments, silence becomes a powerful communicator, a way of asserting my presence without the need for words. It’s the same when someone presses me at the checkout, trying to push me into a response that’s not mine to give. The cashier asks if I have smaller change, clearly irritated, and the world tells me I should react, get defensive, explain myself. But instead, I smile, shake my head, and walk away. It’s a small act, and it’s mine. I choose how I respond, and in that moment, I choose silence. Because sometimes, silence is the most honest response.
And yet, we live in a time where silence is often seen as weakness. Where to remain silent is to acquiesce, to give in, to let things happen to us. And I wonder if that’s true. Maybe silence is the ultimate act of agency. Maybe it’s the only way we can reclaim what’s been taken from us, the only way we can push back against the forces that seek to strip us of our dignity.
And this silence doesn’t feel like peace. It feels like resistance, like the last stand of a battered soul. And then something shifts. That small, tentative voice rises again.
“We need to do something,” it says.
The words are simple, but the weight they carry is heavy. My heart races as I hear the urgency, the rawness, the fear in this voice.
I, we can’t stay silent forever. I have to act. I, we have to fight for them, for each other. We are all in this together.
And as I look around at my friends—each one of us carrying some form of trauma, some form of pain, some form of oppression—I know that we cannot allow this system to strip any more of us of our humanity.
The time for silence is over.
We’ve kept quiet for too long, out of fear, out of exhaustion, out of self-preservation.
And silence, as much as it is a tool for survival, is also the tool of the oppressor.
Silence is how they make us small.
Silence is how they break us.
And, we will not be broken.
We will not let them silence us, not anymore.
We will not sit in this café, in this room, pretending that everything is okay.
We will not let the system keep us divided, keep us fragmented, keep us afraid.
We will stand together. We will speak up. And we will shout against injustice.
The conversation shifts, not with a bang, but with a deep, collective breath. One by one, we begin to speak, to share our own fears, our own stories, our own pain. We are no longer just a group of people, we are a movement—a force, unified in our determination to protect our friend and to protect each other.
Why?
Because we are all aware of the small gap between them, as an undocumented immigrant, and each of us. Gay, lesbian, transgender, Black, Indigenous, Chinese—each of us with our own challenges within this system.
Which group they come for next?
We are more than the labels they try to put on us.
We are more than the fears they try to impose.
We are human, and nothing, not a regime, not a label, can take that away.
We talk about what we can do. We talk about organizing, about speaking out, about standing in solidarity. Our voices grow louder, and I feel a spark inside me, a fire that has been burning quietly for too long.
The silence we have kept for so long—both in our personal lives and in the world—is no longer a refuge. It is a call to action. It is time to speak, time to rise, time to fight back. And we will.
We will speak loud and clear, not just for our friend, but for everyone who is being silenced, for everyone who is being objectified, for everyone whose humanity is being stripped away. We will not be complicit.
There is a time for silence, yes.
And there is also a time to speak.
* To speak with one voice, united in our shared humanity.
* To speak out against oppression, against dehumanization, against injustice.
* To speak for those who cannot speak, for those who are silenced by fear and violence.
And when we find the stillness, the clarity will come.
Like a crystal-clear lake that mirrors the surroundings, silence, when merged with kindness and compassion, will guide us to the next steps. We will know, with our diverse backgrounds, our varied skills, and our united strength, what to do to push back.
As we sit together, we observe that reclaiming the Constitution of the United States of America—something we deeply value—requires the support of many American citizens, as well as people beyond U.S. borders.
We all recognize the erosion of our rights and humanity in recent months. In light of this, we agree that after 250 years of amendments, it’s time to reconsider and modernize the Constitution. We need a framework that reflects justice, equality, and inclusivity, ensuring belonging for all and removing outdated ideologies that hinder fairness and equity. This isn’t just about the past—it’s about the country we long to live in, and the future we seek to create.
And so, we rise. Together. In solidarity. For justice. For dignity. For humanity.
And in that moment, I know—we are stronger than any regime, than any system, than any force that tries to break us. We are unbreakable, because we are human, and we stand together.
We speak. And we will be heard.
Glad to walk this path beside you.
Would you be willing to Support My Work and Subscribe as well as Contribute? It would mean so much to me!
Creating art, testing recipes, and sharing my reflections here is a labor of love, but it also comes with real costs. Since January 2024 I am on sick leave for mental health challenges. Monty and I make life workable with a disposable income of €350 / $380 a month.
I share more on my current situation here:
If my writing, art, and recipes resonate with you, I would be incredibly grateful if you would consider supporting my work with a paid subscription to Wild Lion*esses Pride.
And if I may ask—should you happen to know of opportunities for a cook, baker, barkeep, host, concierge, travel manager, personal assistant, house philosopher, systemic conversationalist, photographer, resident artist, or even a whimsical weather frog person—please pass along my name. I’m eager to embrace new adventures, wherever the tides of life and serendipity may lead me.
Your subscription helps keep this space ad-free, reader-supported, and accessible to everyone, while also supporting the time, creativity, and resources I dedicate to this work.
If a paid subscription isn’t feasible right now, you can also show your support with a one-time tip via my Tip Jar here.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity—it truly makes a difference. Together, we’re creating a space of reflection, creativity, and connection, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this journey
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com/subscribe -
What You Still Can Do When They Take All the Power?!
Episode Summary:
On January 20th, 2025, the inauguration of a President with an agenda to dismantle democratic freedoms and suppress marginalized groups ushers in a new era of systemic oppression in the United States. Drawing parallels to historical patterns, including the rise of the Third Reich, this episode explores the mechanisms of control—fear, isolation, and dependency—that oppressive systems rely on to thrive.
Through personal anecdotes, historical insights, and actionable strategies, this episode empowers listeners to reclaim their agency, build solidarity, and take intentional steps toward resistance.
Listeners will learn how to recognize and disrupt oppressive narratives, rebuild autonomy, and foster resilience in the face of systemic challenges. Together, we’ll uncover the power of collective action and individual courage in the ongoing fight for justice and freedom.
Chapters and Key Topics:
1. Feeling the Ground Erode
Introduction to the current political climate and its impact on individual freedoms.
A personal reflection on how systems of control instill fear and compliance.
Takeaway: Awareness of how oppressive systems gain power by eroding autonomy.
2. Naming What You Feel
Recognizing the internalized narratives of oppression.
Examples of how fear and division affect personal and community dynamics.
Takeaway: Naming emotions and experiences is the first step to reclaiming agency.
3. The Anatomy of Oppression
Breakdown of the five mechanisms of oppression:
Control of Narrative
Isolation
Economic Dependency
Fear and Punishment
Internalization
Takeaway: Understanding how these tools function helps to dismantle their hold.
4. Lessons from History: A German Perspective
Insights from Nazi Germany: How fear, propaganda, and institutional complicity upheld oppression.
The role of individuals and institutions in enabling systemic control.
Takeaway: Historical lessons as a guide for recognizing and resisting modern parallels.
5. The Role of Complicity and Compliance
Exploring how passive compliance sustains oppression.
Reflection on personal and societal complicity.
Takeaway: Acknowledging complicity opens the door to meaningful change.
6. Disrupting Oppression: Tools for Resistance
Strategies for breaking free from systemic control:
Observing and understanding power dynamics.
Rebuilding self-agency through therapy and reflection.
Building solidarity and networks of support.
Challenging dominant narratives through storytelling and truth-telling.
Prioritizing self-preservation as a form of resistance.
Taking collective action through voting, organizing, and advocacy.
Takeaway: Resistance begins with small, intentional steps that collectively create change.
7. A Shift in Perspective
The importance of rejecting imposed narratives and trusting one’s inner truth.
Takeaway: By reclaiming personal agency, listeners can weaken oppressive systems and inspire transformation.
8. Conclusion: Breaking the Cycle Together
A call to action for listeners to reclaim their voice, foster connection, and envision a different future.
Takeaway: Empowerment lies in recognizing that even small acts of resistance matter.
Target Audience:
Activists, advocates, and individuals feeling the weight of systemic oppression.
Those seeking actionable steps to challenge control in personal, professional, or societal contexts.
Listeners interested in history, psychology, and social justice.
Content Style:
Personal and reflective storytelling intertwined with historical and contemporary analysis.
Emphasis on empowerment, resilience, and actionable guidance.
Thought-provoking and emotionally engaging, with a balance of urgency and hope.
❤️ If you find this piece meaningful, consider clicking the heart at the top or bottom of the post. It helps others discover this newsletter and brightens my day.
Would you be willing to Support My Work and Subscribe as well as Contribute? It would mean so much to me!
Creating art, testing recipes, and sharing my reflections here is a labor of love, but it also comes with real costs. Since January 2024 I am on sick leave for mental health challenges. Monty and I make life workable with a disposable income of €350 / $380 a month.
Hi There! I am Monty, to my friends and Sir Montgomery in formal situations. Very glad to make your acquaintance. Will you become part of Jay’s and me pride? I’d really love that, then you can call me Monty.
I share more on my current situation here:
When Healing Means Losing Everything
If my writing, art, and recipes resonate with you, I would be incredibly grateful if you would consider supporting my work with a paid subscription to Wild Lion*esses Pride.
And if I may ask—should you happen to know of opportunities for a cook, baker, barkeep, host, concierge, travel manager, personal assistant, house philosopher, systemic conversationalist, photographer, resident artist, or even a whimsical weather frog person—please pass along my name. I’m eager to embrace new adventures, wherever the tides of life and serendipity may lead me.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com/subscribe -
A Call to Conscience
Episode Title: Will You Stand for Dignity, or Betray Your Conscience?
Episode Description:
In this deeply personal and reflective episode, I share my journey of confronting the universal question: Will I stay silent, or will I stand for my truth and the dignity of others?
Drawing connections between historical injustices and the challenges we face today, I explore the weight of conscience and the unyielding fight for dignity. From the systematic dehumanization during the Third Reich to my own experience coming out as a lesbian in 1986 Germany, and more recently as non-binary, I reflect on the courage required to live authentically in a world often hostile to authenticity.
This episode is a call to action: to honor your conscience, to stand for human rights, and to recognize dignity as a birthright, not a privilege. Together, let us reject dehumanization and embrace empathy, justice, and kindness as the foundations of a just society.
Key Topics Covered:
Historical Context:
Overview of the identification system used in Nazi concentration camps and its chilling parallels to modern acts of othering and oppression.
Reflection on how dehumanization becomes possible when conscience is silenced.
Personal Journey:
Coming out as a lesbian in 1986 Germany amidst the remnants of patriarchal laws like §174a StGB.
My journey to reclaim dignity and authenticity, including my non-binary identity and its impact on my life.
The Role of Conscience:
How trauma severs us from our conscience and the hard-fought path to reconnecting with it.
The dynamic nature of conscience as a personal moral guide, distinct from societal expectations.
A Call to Action:
Examining the political landscape and the importance of standing against leaders and policies that erode human rights.
Questions to ask ourselves about our role in supporting dignity and justice.
Reflection on Dignity:
Understanding dignity as intrinsic and inviolable, not something bestowed by external validation.
How protecting dignity is both a personal and collective responsibility.
Episode Highlights:
Historical Reminder: The identification system in Nazi camps serves as a stark warning about the consequences of silencing conscience and erasing dignity.
Personal Transformation: Sharing my struggles and triumphs in living authentically, even when it meant losing everything I thought defined me.
Call to Conscience: A rallying cry for listeners to examine their beliefs, actions, and the leaders they support, urging alignment with dignity and justice.
Listener Takeaways:
How to align your actions with your conscience and stand for the dignity of all people.
The importance of challenging dehumanizing rhetoric and policies in both personal and societal contexts.
An invitation to reflect on your role in fostering a world rooted in kindness, empathy, and equity.
Links & Resources:
Educational Material from the SS: Overview of Identification in Concentration Camps
My Substack: Wild Lionesses Pride – When Healing Means Losing Everything
Episode Image ALT Text:
A historical chart titled "Kenzeichen für Schutzhäftlinge in den Konz.-Lagern" (Identification Marks for Protective Custody Prisoners in Concentration Camps). The chart outlines triangular symbols and colors used to classify prisoners, including political prisoners, habitual criminals, emigrants, Jehovah's Witnesses, homosexuals, and "asocials." It reflects the chilling reality of systemic dehumanization.
Call to Action:
This episode invites you to reflect on your conscience. Will you stand for the dignity of others and yourself? Let us rise together to protect human rights, reject hate, and build a world where authenticity and humanity are celebrated.
Thank You:
Thank you for walking this path with me. Together, we can honor dignity and conscience in all that we do.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com/subscribe -
Rediscovering Myself Through Depth and Connection
Episode Description:In this episode, I invite you to join me on a deeply personal journey of transformation, vulnerability, and connection. When the structures of my life seemed to collapse, I was called to open in ways I never thought possible. This experience became a progression—starting with discovering length and width within myself and ultimately leading to profound depth.
Through this lens, I share how loss became an opening, not only for my true self to emerge but also for a remarkable community to hold space for me. These reflections explore the courage to trust, the safety of surrender, and the stillness waiting beneath life’s chaos.
Episode Chapters:
Setting the Theme: DeeperAs the new year begins, I reflect on the word Deeper as a guiding theme—not just for the year ahead but for the life-altering journey I’ve experienced. I introduce the key ideas of opening and creating space for courage, trust, and depth to emerge.
Length: The Horizon WithinThis chapter explores the metaphor of standing at the edge of the sea, where opening ourselves reveals an expanse within. As we gaze outward, we begin to notice the vast ocean inside our hearts—a space filled with possibilities.
Width: Trusting the Inner OceanWith courage, I learned to float, trusting the waves to hold me. This chapter reflects on the process of letting go, allowing trust to take root and offering a foundation for surrender.
Depth: Sinking Below the SurfaceIn this pivotal chapter, I explore what it means to surrender fully—to sink below the turbulence of life’s surface chaos and find stillness. Drawing on Jon Kabat-Zinn’s insights, I share how just beneath the surface, profound quiet awaits.
The Letter from LoveAt the heart of this episode is a Letter from Love, written in response to a devastating moment in my life. This letter speaks to the losses I endured, including personal bankruptcy and the dissolution of dreams, while celebrating the resilience I discovered. It also honors the incredible community that showed up for me in ways I could never have anticipated.
The PAST FrameworkAs I close the episode, I offer the PAST framework—a simple yet powerful tool to navigate overwhelm with compassion:
Pause: Create space to breathe and interrupt reactivity.
Acknowledge: Name what you’re feeling without judgment.
Soften: Bring kindness to yourself in the moment.
Tend: Take one small nurturing action to support your well-being.
Final ReflectionsThe episode concludes with a reminder that depth isn’t about achieving perfection or reaching a destination. It’s about inhabiting the present moment fully, trusting ourselves, and embracing the light we uncover even in life’s darkest corners.
Listen now to explore how loss can create space for connection, authenticity, and the rediscovery of self.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com/subscribe -
When Healing Means Losing Everything
Introduction: The Bomb DropsThe story begins with the devastating news of bankruptcy, setting the stage for a reflection on loss, sacrifice, and resilience.
Her Dream, Not MineA deep dive into the company’s origins and how it became a vessel for someone else’s aspirations, leaving little space for personal identity.
The Weight of SacrificeA recounting of the hours, inheritance, and personal well-being invested in keeping the company afloat, despite mounting challenges.
The Collapse: Facing the UnbearableExploring the financial and emotional toll of the company’s failure, including the looming €70,000 debt and the potential loss of home and stability.
The Reckoning: A Life Without SelfA reflection on living the un-lived lives of others—parents, a partner—and the realization of an identity shaped by external expectations.
Solace in CommunityHow finding an online community has provided understanding, moral support, and the courage to share this journey.
Conclusion: Holding On to BelongingDespite the losses, the essay ends with a sense of belonging and hope found in connection and shared humanity.
There’s an ache in my chest that words barely contain—a weight that has grown unbearable. Today, my colleague told me what I had long feared but hoped might never come: the company, which my partner built in 2001, has no choice but to declare bankruptcy.
This is not just any company—it was her dream, more than mine. After her death at 64, when her family and husband rejected her estate, my colleague, my brother, and I stepped in. We took over the business from the insolvency of her estate, believing we could preserve what she had built and keep her legacy alive.
Since 2001, I had poured everything into the company: most of my inheritance, countless hours—sometimes working 150-hour weeks—just to keep costs down. The bank, in its conservative stance, stopped believing in women entrepreneurs and refused to finance expansion or modernization. I compensated by working harder, renouncing parts of my salary while simultaneously investing my own money into a company I didn’t even have shares in. I did it because I had been socialized to sacrifice for others, and because I didn’t even remember having needs of my own.
Just four months before her death, we took out a €110,000 loan (about $120,000) to secure the company’s future. It felt like a necessary step, but after she passed, the responsibility fell squarely on me. Over the years, the loan has been paid down to about €70,000 (approximately $75,000), but now, as the company collapses, that debt is mine alone to bear.
Looking back now, with everything I’ve endured and learned, I see the painful truth: I had no dreams, no goals, no aspirations of my own. I wasn’t living my life. I was living the un-lived life of my parents, her unlived life, and the expectations of everyone around me. And somehow, I didn’t even realize it. Everything I thought I was building wasn’t truly mine. I worked tirelessly for others, guided by beliefs and values that weren’t my own.
And now, in my efforts to save everyone else, I’ve most likely given the shirt off my back. The money I’ve invested, the home I live in, the car I drive, and even the fragile thread of financial stability I clung to—all of it hangs in the balance.
When healing comes with the likelihood of losing everything—absolutely everything—it’s a reckoning. Most likely, even my home will be gone. It’s the house my parents bought, too big for me alone in more ways than one. It was meant for a family, yet here I am, living in two-thirds of it with Monty, while my brother lives next door in an apartment within the other house our mother owned. And here I am—57 years old—watching my life crumble in ways I’ve probably feared for a long time.
When I stepped down and went on sick leave a year ago, things weren’t rosy then either. Without my constant pushing, functioning, and reinventing—finding tweaks and turns—my colleague simply couldn’t steer the ship onto another course. To be honest, I tried to change course for years, but I was met with so much resistance, so much unwillingness to rethink, to change, to see the cracks in the foundation.
It wasn’t just my colleague or my late partner who resisted the shift. It was also me. My trauma kept me tethered to a loyalty that wasn’t truly mine—a loyalty to everyone else, but never to myself. My exiled self walled off any intuition I might have had, leaving me to work tirelessly, not for myself, but for the beliefs and values of my parents, the ideals of my partner, and the security of “my” employees.
I gave everything I had. And now, it seems, the life I built will take everything else as it collapses.
In the midst of this, my offline life is not just quiet—it’s non-existent. It’s an empty room. There’s no one to turn to, no voices to share this with, no presence to help carry even a sliver of this burden. For a long time, I thought this isolation was inevitable, something I had to endure quietly.
But over the past four months, I’ve found a sanctuary in this community—a space that has offered me solace, understanding, and moral support unlike anything I’ve ever experienced offline. The perspectives and shared humanity here have been a lifeline. This is the only place where I’ve felt truly seen.
So, I’m sharing this now—not because I expect solutions or sympathy, but because I need to put these words somewhere. The weight of my circumstances feels lighter when I write to you, even knowing there’s no magic fix. There’s something profound in saying, “This is my reality,” and trusting that someone out there will read these words and, for a moment, hold them with care.
To anyone reading this, thank you for being here. In the midst of losing everything, I’ve found a kind of belonging I didn’t know I needed. And that, right now, is worth holding on to.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com/subscribe -
Roaring into New Chapters in 2025
Celebrating dignity creativity and the wildness within our stories by reflecting on 2024 and setting intentions for 2025
Description:In this heartfelt audio essay, I take you on a journey through the transformative year of 2024—a year marked by healing, self-discovery, and reconnecting with my authentic self. I share how my Canyon Model serves as a metaphor for navigating life’s complexities, uncovering the textures, colors, and stories that define my inner landscape.
Join me as I reflect on the lessons learned, the connections forged, and the creative outlets that have grounded me, from art to cooking. Together, we’ll explore themes of resilience, dignity, and intersectionality while looking ahead to 2025. This year, I set three key intentions: continuing the healing process, fostering meaningful relationships to counter isolation, and claiming authorship over my narrative through writing, art, and shared experiences.
Whether you’re here to reflect on your own journey, find inspiration in the shared human experience, or simply pause and reconnect, this episode offers a space to explore the beauty and complexity of the wild canyons within us all.
What’s Inside:
Reflections on 2024: A year of growth and transformation
Insights into my Canyon Model and its role in healing
How art, cooking, and storytelling anchor the journey
Intentions for 2025: Healing, connection, and authorship
Tune in for an exploration of the untamed landscapes of life, where every story matters, and every voice contributes to a greater whole.
Thank you for being part of this pride.
Let’s roar into 2025 together.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com/subscribe -
How Dignity Transforms Shame Into Self-Acceptance - Part Two
This essay explores the intricate relationship between dignity and toxic shame, chronicling the transformative insights that guided my journey from a fractured self-image to a rediscovered sense of intrinsic worth and self-acceptance. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the key elements and insights presented in this piece:
Introduction
Opening Context:A reflection on Gerald Hüther’s book Würde (Dignity) sparked a journey of self-discovery in October 2023. This evolved further through the concept of "re-wilding the Self" as introduced on InsightTimer.
Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Perspective on Wholeness:His insights on mindfulness and intrinsic worth reframed my understanding of self-care as a practice of prioritizing my own needs and well-being.
Understanding Toxic Shame
Key Realization (January 2024):After years of functioning at 200%, I acknowledged the unsustainability of my life and prioritized self-care by stepping back from work. This decision initiated profound life changes.
Insights from John Bradshaw (May 2024):Bradshaw’s Healing the Shame that Binds You deepened my understanding of toxic shame as more than fleeting feelings of unworthiness but as an ingrained belief of inherent defectiveness.
Contrast with Brené Brown:While Brené Brown emphasizes the universality of shame and its potential to guide growth, Bradshaw’s work revealed toxic shame as a distortion that obstructs self-acceptance and reinforces the false notion of being inherently flawed.
Reclaiming Dignity
From Survival to Self-Connection:Gerald Hüther’s emphasis on inherent dignity and Bradshaw’s exploration of shame highlighted how survival strategies kept me disconnected from my true self.
Profound Realizations:
“I am an imposition and a disgrace.”A critical step in uncovering toxic shame’s pervasive influence.
“I have been unhappy for the most part of my life.”A sobering acknowledgment of the depth of my disconnection.
Shift Toward Wholeness:Jon Kabat-Zinn’s teachings on mindfulness and embodied awareness reinforced my evolving understanding of dignity as intrinsic, not dependent on external validation.
The Interconnected Aspects of Self
Toxic Shame’s Impact:It inhibits access to fundamental aspects of the self, such as self-worth, self-trust, and self-expression.
Reclaiming the Self:
Self-Worth: Rediscovering inherent value.
Self-Compassion: Learning kindness toward oneself through practices like metta prayers.
Self-Identity: Gaining a clearer sense of who I am.
Self-Expression: Moving from people-pleasing to authentic communication.
Self-Trust: Building confidence through embodiment practices.
Self-Care: Establishing habits for well-being.
Self-Confidence: Transitioning from "faking it" to genuinely embodying it.
Self-Acceptance: Embracing all aspects of myself daily.
Self-Boundaries: Defining limits to safeguard identity and dignity.
The Path Forward
Breaking the Grip of Toxic Shame:Releasing deeply ingrained messages of inadequacy has allowed my true inner Self to emerge.
Dignity as a Constant Presence:Rather than being conditional, dignity is an ever-present truth, grounded in mindfulness and self-awareness.
Reflections on Growth:Healing and self-reconnection are ongoing processes, requiring compassion, patience, and courage.
Conclusion
This essay concludes by affirming dignity as a fundamental aspect of being—not a concept to be earned but an intrinsic truth to be embraced. The journey toward self-acceptance is an act of reclaiming this inherent worth while letting go of the toxic shame that keeps us disconnected from our true selves.
If this reflection resonates with you, let it inspire your own journey toward self-discovery and wholeness.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com/subscribe -
How Dignity Transforms Shame Into Self-Acceptance
Explore the transformative insights that helped me realize that dignity isn’t just a concept — it’s an intrinsic part of our identity waiting to be uncovered.
Description:In this episode, Jay shares a deeply personal exploration of dignity, prompted by Prof. Dr. Gerald Hüther’s book Würde. What began as a random discovery at a train station turned into a transformative experience, reshaping how Jay viewed their own worth. From the foundational principles of dignity in German law to Hüther's insights on dignity as an internal force, Jay reveals how their understanding of dignity evolved from an external validation to an intrinsic birthright.
I hadn’t gone looking for Würde, Prof. Dr. Gerald Hüther’s book (eBook in German) on dignity; it found me....
Key Themes:
Dignity as Intrinsic to Identity: Jay reflects on the concept of dignity as a core part of our humanity, not something granted by others, but something inherent in all of us. Drawing from Hüther’s ideas, dignity is understood as a deeply personal awareness of worth, shaping how we live and interact.
Historical and Philosophical Roots: Jay connects dignity to its historical evolution, from Roman virtue to Enlightenment philosophers like Kant, and how these ideas evolved into the modern human rights framework. This includes the importance of dignity in the German Constitution, which enshrines it as a fundamental human right.
Objectification and Self-Objectification: Drawing from Hüther’s teachings, Jay discusses how dignity is eroded when we are objectified—whether by external forces or by internalized survival mechanisms. For much of Jay's life, they felt a sense of lack, believing that dignity was something they lacked, rather than something they had lost touch with.
Reclaiming Dignity: Jay shares how the concept of "obscured" dignity resonated with their own experiences of seeking external validation. They began to recognize that dignity is not something to be earned or bestowed upon us; it's an intrinsic part of who we are, simply waiting to be rediscovered.
Dignity as a Guide to Personal Growth: Jay explores how recognizing and embracing their own dignity has become a guiding force in their life. They reflect on how this newfound awareness helps them approach the world with self-respect and integrity, and how it empowers them to see others as whole, valuable beings.
Takeaways:
Dignity is not just a societal or legal construct but a deeply personal, intrinsic part of who we are.
External validation and societal roles can obscure our sense of dignity, but by reclaiming our subjectivity, we can rediscover our worth.
Understanding dignity can transform how we view ourselves and our relationships, guiding us to make choices that reflect self-respect and compassion.
Next Episode Preview:In the next episode, Jay dives deeper into the relationship between dignity and toxic shame, exploring how past experiences of oppression and objectification have shaped their understanding of self-worth. This ongoing journey will reveal more about reclaiming one's dignity and living authentically.
Listen to the episode here: [Link to episode]Stay tuned for Part 2 on toxic shame and dignity's role in healing.
4o mini
As I continue to unravel these layers and reconnect with my inherent dignity, this exploration will unfold further in the second part of my journey.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com/subscribe -
The Brave, Tender Ground: Finding Strength in Vulnerability
Description: In this reflective and deeply personal episode, I explore the interplay between strength and vulnerability through the lens of recent events that shook my sense of safety. From revisiting old patterns tied to trauma to discovering the transformative power of a “soft front and strong back,” this episode is an invitation to find harmony within. Together, we’ll explore what it means to embrace courage and tenderness as complementary forces, fostering resilience and connection.
Key Themes:
- The reactivation of trauma in response to global events.
- Navigating fear through compassion and softness.
- The “brave, tender ground” as a space where strength and vulnerability meet.
- Embodying alignment: physical posture as emotional integrity.
- Personal practices for cultivating balance and resilience.
Highlights:
- A reflection on Rainer Maria Rilke's profound words: “Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love.”
- My journey from rigid compliance to a harmonious balance of self-compassion and courage.
- Insights from Tara Brach and Roshi Joan Halifax on staying present with fear and discomfort.
Affirmations and journaling prompts to help you cultivate spaces where resilience and tenderness coexist.
Segments:
The Brave, Tender Ground
The physical and emotional practice of “soft front, strong back.”
Intention: Vulnerability as Courage
Reframing vulnerability from weakness to strength.
Affirmation: I Am the Sublimity I Seek
"I embody the grace of a mountain: steadfast in its core, kissed by winds and light. My strength and tenderness create harmony, reflecting my infinite depth."
Reflection and Invitation
How balance shapes personal growth and creates room for connection.
Journaling Prompt:
What would it feel like to share one truth about myself that I usually keep hidden? How might this act of sharing change the way I see myself and connect with others?
Call to Action:
Reflect, Engage, and ShareIf this episode resonates with you, I encourage you to reflect on the questions posed, share your thoughts in the comments,
❤️ Support my work and ensure it remains ad-free and accessible by subscribing to The Wild Lionesses Pride
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com/subscribe -
Breaking the Cycle of Oppression
My Journey from Powerlessness and Control to Reclaiming Boundaries and Self-Autonomy
Disclaimer: This piece discusses experiences of trauma and abuse, including emotional manipulation, psychological harm, and the lasting impacts of a controlling environment. Readers who have experienced similar situations may find some descriptions triggering or emotionally challenging. Take care as you read, and remember to honor your own boundaries. It’s about the echoes of powerlessness still residing in me—the parts hesitating to stand out or step into my full self. And yet, I also see how far I’ve come.
Episode Overview
In this deeply personal episode, I reflect on the lingering impact of the 2024 U.S. election and how it stirred echoes of my childhood experiences with powerlessness and control. Drawing parallels between political dominance and personal trauma, I share my journey from living under oppressive systems to reclaiming boundaries, autonomy, and my authentic self.
This episode explores themes of resilience, healing, and transformation, offering a candid look at the long road to breaking free from internalized patterns of survival.
Key Topics Covered
1. The Ripple of Powerlessness
- How Trump’s re-election triggered buried emotions and memories.
- Recognizing the parallels between political and personal control.
2. The Corruption of the Self
- The retreat of my true self into exile at age 11.
- Adapting to survive in a home dominated by my mother’s narcissistic control.
3. Living Under Surveillance
- How a small-town environment amplified the feeling of being watched and controlled.
- Navigating blame, shame, and punishment as a family scapegoat.
4. Reclaiming My Authentic Self
- The process of unlearning survival mechanisms and rediscovering my true self.
- Charting the unexplored terrain of healing through resilience and self-trust.
5. The Body Holds the Story
- How trauma manifests in the body and the role of embodiment practices in healing.
- Exploring transformative techniques like Alexander Technique, Yoga Nidra, and grounding exercises.
6. The Power of Journaling
- Writing as a lifeline: how I wrote myself back into life.
- Conversations with past versions of myself to integrate and heal fragmented parts.
Takeaways
- Healing is not about perfection; it’s about presence.
- Pain and suffering can exist without defining you.
- True transformation begins when we hold space for discomfort with compassion and acceptance.
- Connection is a vital part of healing—shared stories can create ripples of insight and support.
Connect with Me
If this episode resonates with you, I encourage you to share it with someone who might need it. Healing is often easier when done in connection with others.
Thank you for listening.
Disclaimer
If you feel overwhelmed while reading, please take a moment to pause and care for yourself. You may wish to connect with a trusted friend, therapist, or support network to process any emotions that arise.
This text reflects personal experiences and insights from a healing journey. It is not a substitute for professional advice or therapy. If you are currently experiencing abuse or struggling with its aftermath, know that you are not alone. Support is available, and reaching out for help can be an important step toward healing.
Resources for assistance:
* International: RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
* Germany: Hilfetelefon Gewalt gegen Frauen (08000 116 016)
* U.S.: National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)
Support My Work: Subscribe and Contribute
If you’ve enjoyed my reflections and want to support my work, you can subscribe to The Wild Lionesses Pride* here. Your subscription helps keep this ad-free, reader-supported publication going and ensures my content remains accessible to everyone.
If this reading resonates with you, great! And if not, no worries. Take whatever may be helpful and leave the rest.
If a monthly or annual subscription isn’t feasible for you right now, you can also show your support with a one-time tip via my Tip Jar here.
Thank you for your generosity and for being a part of this journey!
The Wild Lion*esses Pride is a reader-supported publication, free from ads or algorithms.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com/subscribe -
"I Am Not Amused" - A Political Märchen
How Democracy's Story Keeps Repeating Itself, And Why the Castle Keepers Should Be Worried
In this episode, I explore the recurring patterns in democracy's story, framing it as a modern Märchen—a tale of castles, serfs, and the struggle for equality. Using this metaphor, I reflect on the cyclical nature of progress and backlash, and what it means for the future of democracy.
What I Cover in This Episode:
- The Castle on the Hill:
I introduce the metaphor of the castle, a symbol of entrenched power. For centuries, those at the top have resisted change, dismissing calls for equality with icy disdain: “I am not amused.”
- The Eternal Struggle for Rights:
I trace how every significant step toward equality—from civil rights to workers' protections—has been met with resistance, a reminder of how fragile progress can be.
- The Winds of Backlash:
I examine how the backlash to progress often unfolds subtly, like a creeping fog, and why democracy feels so precarious today.
- The “Abschaum” Dares to Dream:
I reflect on how marginalized voices—dismissed as “Abschaum”—continue to push the story forward, challenging the oppressive order of the castle.
- A Märchen for the Modern World:
I explore how today’s castle keepers wield new tools, from algorithms to propaganda, to maintain control, and the rise of modern authoritarianism as a global phenomenon.
- The Moral of the Story:
I ask the central question: Is the arc of history truly bending toward justice, or are we trapped in an endless cycle of progress and resistance?
- Rewriting the Märchen:
I end with a reflection on the power of storytelling, challenging myself—and you, the listener—to imagine a world where the walls of the castle come down, and the story takes a new direction.
Why This Episode Matters to Me:
This episode is my attempt to understand the patterns of history, to see how progress is made and unmade, and to ask what role I can play in shaping the future. Märchenland isn’t just a metaphor; it’s a lens through which I make sense of the world I live in and the challenges democracy faces today.
If you’ve ever felt like we’re stuck in a loop—where each step forward is met with two steps back—this episode is for you. It’s not just a critique of power but a reminder that the story isn’t finished, and we each hold a pen.
🎧 Available Now on All Major Podcast Platforms
Read the Story on Substack
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your reflections with me by leaving a comment or using the hashtag #PoliticalMärchen.
Together, let’s keep rewriting the story.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com/subscribe -
"Balance Is Not Harmony: Finding Confidence and Inner Steadiness"
Episode Summary:In this episode, I explore the intertwined concepts of balance and confidence—two qualities that often feel just out of reach amidst life’s demands. Balance is not about making everything smooth or equal, nor is it about sacrificing yourself to maintain harmony for others. Instead, it’s about staying true to your inner rhythm and aligning with what sustains you.
Confidence, on the other hand, comes from trusting your ability to navigate uncertainty with clarity and strength—not from external validation or perfection. Together, these practices invite us to prioritize our well-being without apology, even when the world expects otherwise.
Key Themes Discussed:
The difference between balance and harmony: why balance isn’t about keeping everyone happy.
How the pressures of responsibilities, expectations, and relationships can pull us away from ourselves.
The courage it takes to honor self-care and authenticity in the face of societal and personal expectations.
Practical reflections on where your energy flows: what drains you and what nourishes you.
A reframing of confidence as a process of trusting yourself, one step and one choice at a time.
Takeaways for Listeners:
Balance is not about sacrifice or silencing your needs but about realigning with your truth.
Confidence is built through small acts of courage—engaging with life’s challenges rather than avoiding them.
Authenticity and self-care are not luxuries; they are essential to living a balanced life.
Intention for Today: Balance
Affirmation for Today: I am the confidence I seek
Journaling Prompts from the Episode:
What areas of your life feel out of balance right now, and what small adjustments can you make to restore a sense of stability?
Hint: Reflect on a moment when you felt proud of your actions or decisions, regardless of the outcome. What did that teach you about your inner strength?What moments in my life reveal the seeds of confidence within me, and how can I nurture them today?
Hint: Reflect on a time when you felt proud of your actions or decisions, regardless of the outcome. What did that experience teach you about your inner strength? How can you bring that awareness into your current challenges?
Let’s Connect:If this episode sparked reflections or questions, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your insights or leave a review—your voice matters!
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildlionessespride.substack.com/subscribe - Visa fler
