The term "womxn", as opposed to "woman", is used to include transgender women and women of color.

What do you spend more time on: checking your email or scrolling social media platforms? I check my email about as often as I breathe, and use social media in the morning, during breaks, and before I sleep. My intention for frequently checking both is to stay updated with people, classes, and especially in my search for opportunities.

"Study Abroad in Spain: Learn to cook and learn about fashion in Seville!", "Cosmetology Courses: Learn to cut and style hair along with makeup skills!" "The Future Helpers: Learn to build highly efficient machines that can operate as first responders!". I receive emails and see things on social media daily that are something along these lines. I see friends that have recently done something they've been talking about for months such as buying a new car they saved up for, moving to a different city, or getting cool tattoos or piercings.

I immediately stop scrolling. The little voice in my head says, "Yo! This is cool!" You may see and think something different, but you begin to picture what it would be like to participate in some of the opportunities or fulfilling experiences you see; you picture yourself happy, successful, and proud.

Suddenly, you take one more breath of that optimistic visualization and it all fades away. The doubts creep in.

"I'll look stupid."

"What if I end up not liking it, anyway?"

"I don't want to commit to something I'm not sure about."

"What if I fail, end up wasting my time, and go back to what I was doing before?"

Yes, the doubts are completely valid. These are some of the infinite possibilities that can happen when you challenge yourself to do something different. Whatever your head is saying, it's trying to protect you because that is what our wonderful brains do – ensure our safety and security. However, that initial reaction of your heart beating rapidly due to the excitement of doing something amazing is someone else, someone that's "too positive" or "too optimistic" that it makes you feel uncomfortable.

That someone else is you; it's your higher self. The one that was destined to fulfill a purpose or an adventure in this life. It's your higher self reaching to live beyond just existing; gasping for the places, things, and experiences that make you feel young and alive. It is the womxn you are meant to be. She's ready for you to take the next step, but most of the time we end up ignoring her. We settle into the doubts rooted in fear of failure and discomfort. We go on about our lives waiting for another opportunity, perhaps a less challenging one that we may or may not take advantage of. Eventually, though, we feel something is still missing.

The truth is, the scary yet thrilling opportunities that you ignore are the opportunities of something great. Maybe you've always wanted to be stronger, smarter, kinder, braver, more adventurous, or more outspoken and it's those challenging experiences that mold you into who you want to become.

Your inner self is excited and leads you to read more about the details on how to get involved or to the links, people, and places to get to where you want to go. She tells you in those moments where your body jumps and reacts before your brain has time to think of doubts to "go for it!" and imagine what it would feel like to become more confident and proud of your new accomplishment. She makes you think of what you are capable of becoming when fear and doubt are no longer in control.

You may not always feel ready for those experiences, but trust that they are ready for you.

That is why they presented themselves in your life. So, rise.

Rise against the doubts.

Rise against the fear.

Rise to the challenges that fill you with life.

Rise, because the womxn you are meant to be is waiting.