Battling My Own Mind: A Tale of Navigating the Inner Boss Battle

November 13, 2023 — ~tonm

Life often feels like a boss battle, doesn’t it? But sometimes, the fiercest adversary you face is the one inside your own mind. Today, I want to share a personal experience that reminds me of this constant struggle. Recently, I had the privilege of helping my adult niece with an email to her dean. She’s on the verge of graduating from nursing school, a huge achievement we’re all incredibly proud of. 🎓 However, as I sat down to compose that email, my body betrayed me. Tears welled up, my voice trembled, and articulating my words became an uphill battle.

Enter the brain weasels - those pesky, nagging doubts that tell you you’re meddling and that you’re bound to make things worse. It’s ironic because, consciously, I knew better. For seven years, I’ve been involved in student advocacy, guiding countless individuals through similar challenges. I realized then that this battle wasn’t just about helping my niece; it was a reminder of the relentless war we wage against our own inner demons. The fear of making a wrong move, the anxiety that our actions might backfire - it’s all part of the struggle.

But here’s the thing: we can’t let those fears paralyse us. We must trust ourselves and our experience, knowing that we’re doing the best we can for the ones we love. So, I pushed through. I reached out to the dean, advocating for next steps in my niece’s accreditation registration and requesting cultural support within the university. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most important battles are fought not with swords and shields, but with determination, empathy, and a belief in the good that we can do.

If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar boss battle with your own mind, remember, you’re not alone. We all have our moments of doubt, but we also possess incredible strength within us. Keep fighting, keep advocating, and keep supporting those you love. Together, we’ll conquer even the most challenging foes - whether they’re in our minds or out in the world.