Built by Strength, Held by Grace

Adversity is inevitable.

Recognizing that hardships and challenges are part of the human experience, it's part of the life — your growth, strength or wisdom comes from facing it.

For most of my life, I leaned into my masculine energy. Not because I wanted to—but because I had to. It's the energy that protected me, that helped me build, decide on my own, and move forward even when everything felt uncertain.

But there came a point where I realized: I was not supposed to stay there forever. To keep on operating in my masculine, hyper-vigilant and rigidity.

There is a kind of power in a woman who knows how to move from both— who can be deeply grounded in her masculine strength, while learning to rest in her feminine energy again.

That's the kind of life I've slowly built. One where i no longer overfunction, overgive, or overthink to earn my worth. One where I no longer chase what's no mine— but prepare to receive what is.

I've come to understand that my nervous system needed healing— not just emotionally, but energetically. (the nervous system is responsible for how our body responds to stress)

To shift from survival mode into surrender.

To stop controlling, stop proving, stop performing... and instead start trusting. Not passively but actively choosing to believe that what's mean for me will find me, without me having to exhaust myself trying to hold it all together.

Now, I'm learning to walk with faith. And in that, I've seen the difference. When you're rooted in self-awareness and aligned with God, you don't need to over-explain or convince anyone of your value or try to shrink in yourself. You just live it. And it shows.

Because when you know your worth, the people who show up will reflect that knowing. They'll treat you right. Love you well. Respect your boundaries. Not because you demanded it— but because you finally believed you deserved it.

And I affirm this to be true— this is evident in my life. To have people around me who show up with genuine care, respect, and love... it's a blessing i don't take lightly. They make life feel lighter, fuller, and worth living. There's always something to look forward to— and for that, I am deeply grateful to have them in this lifetime.

And instead of feeling strange or uncomfortable receiving that kind of love, I've learned to hold space for it. I don't shrink around it anymore. I don't reject the ease. I no longer confuse peace with boredom or mistake softness to weakness. I receive with grace because I know now— I am worthy of the very love I used to think was too much to ask for.

This is not about becoming someone new. It's about returning to the woman i was always meant to be. The one God had in mind all along. The one who can move through life anchored in both discernment and devotion. Fierce, yet faithful and grounded yet surrendered.

I pray and embody that I continue to carry that strength. To lead without hardening. To inspire without shrinking. And to always be a woman who lives with intentions— not by trying to prove, but simply by being who I am.

So I ask you—

Where are you leading from right now?

And where are you allowing yourself to receive?

Here's to the women who had to lean into their masculine energy— not by choice, but by necessity. The ones who had to lead, think, decide an provide for themselves and for others when no one else could. I'm speaking to all of you out there. May we never overlook our resilience, nor forget the tenderness and softness that still live beneath all that strength.

You can absolutely learn how embody both.

Vanesa