Empowered Resilience: My Journey from Pain to Purpose
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Chapter 1: The Weight of Expectations
Recently, I had a conversation that reminded me of the messages I received from society and family: the constant feeling of inadequacy, the belief that I was always falling short, and the harshness of the world around me. Everywhere I went, I was labeled as emotionally weak.
Growing up, I struggled with a nervous system that felt out of sync. The absence of a rescue made my surroundings seem bleak and unforgiving.
As a woman of color, I felt the world’s lack of compassion even more acutely. In a patriarchal society, the struggles faced by women of color are often overlooked, a reality I know all too well.
My experiences in an elitist school district, which outwardly promoted diversity while inwardly harboring prejudice, shattered my self-image. The harsh treatment I faced—racism, sporadic physical abuse, and relentless psychological torment from peers—colored my worldview negatively. Classmates would mock me for being "too Indian" or label me as overly emotional, failing to recognize my sensitivity. Young boys would assert their dominance over me, reinforcing a sense of inferiority.
Yet, my struggles did not end at school. My home life was equally turbulent. Without a support system, I was left to navigate battles that no child should face. My mother and I often found ourselves wondering if escape was possible, especially given the psychological abuse directed at us. I was even barred from seeing her side of the family for similar reasons.
In 2019, after enduring extensive emotional turmoil, I began writing on Medium. I could no longer remain silent; I was tired of seeing brown women unprotected and our voices stifled for the comfort of others.
Initially, I didn't realize that my writing would lead to the creation of Women of Caliber. I simply needed to express my pain in hopes that others could resonate with it and understand the deep-rooted issues at play.
When you're constantly belittled and reprimanded for asserting yourself, it can create a profound sense of isolation. This environment can drain your confidence and erode your belief in your own power.
However, after seven years of navigating this landscape, I can affirm that my survival is a testament to resilience and strength. Despite the ongoing effects of stress on my nervous system, I've managed to maintain a sense of clarity and recognize the universe working in my favor. Coming from such a challenging background is not an easy achievement.
My experiences have provided me with insight into the male perspective and societal dynamics. I’ve witnessed the generational wounds that women carry. I also realized that being spiritually inclined often makes one feel alienated from the majority. While society may overlook this perspective, my culture values it.
Family and classmates often dismissed my spiritual tendencies, suggesting they rendered me powerless and unable to shape my reality. Their actions were a constant reminder of the high standards I needed to set for myself. I no longer seek peace; instead, I pursue situations that inherently cultivate it.
I don’t plead for others to include me in their lives; they should recognize my presence as a privilege. Adopting a business mindset transformed my life, revealing how my unique abilities could yield abundance.
And thus, Women of Caliber was born.
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