LIFE IN A WORD

The word is ADVOCATE

Definition: Merriam-Webster Dictionary - one who supports or promotes the interests of a cause or group

  Posted 10/9/25

My Story: An Advocate for Others, An Advocate for Self

The word Advocate holds a very special space in my life.

For the past six years, I have been an advocate for my 94-year-old mother, a stroke survivor. I continuously seek resources that educate me and help me deliver a healthier life for her. I do this because she is someone I love and believe in, and because she can no longer advocate for herself.

I know I'm not alone; many are committed to advocating for the young, the poor, the sick, and various other populations, including the elderly.

This essential act of caring for others, however, has led me to a crucial question, one I now ask myself and my clients: How do I advocate for myself?

How do you advocate for yourself so you, too, can live a healthier life? My answer lies in reclaiming the most authentic version of ourselves: the child within.

The Call to Remember

We live in a world overflowing with diverse cultures, beliefs, and perspectives. Familial, historical, political, and artistic narratives are constantly evolving, sparking discourse that has blanketed generations with uncertainty and, in many cases, fear.

In this time of uncertainty, I encourage you to seek out a time that felt simpler, kinder, and more joyful—for most of us, this is early childhood. A time of curiosity, exploration, and unconditional love, which brings to mind the poignant message in Whitney Houston’s song, “The Greatest Love of All”:

I believe that children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier. Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be.

Reclaiming Your Essence

In my coaching practice, I use an exercise where clients are asked to locate a picture of themselves as a young child and study it. To truly look at the expression on your face, the sparkle in your eyes, and the softness of your posture.

Reflect on that time when you had the freedom to approach the world with wonder, curiosity, and excitement—a time free of fear, anger, stress, rejection, or judgment.

This is an opportunity to push away the scars and worries that come with age and life experiences, and to awaken that original spirit of wonder and excitement. By inviting that spirit back into our lives, we can decrease our current anxieties and live a happier life.

A child is a master explorer. With innocence and pure wonder, they take in everything around them, learning and growing from every sight, sound, and experience. The purpose of this exercise is to draw out the essence of the child that still lives within you, and to reclaim that original curiosity. If we, as adults, can choose to learn and explore life's challenges rather than reacting negatively to them, we will naturally live healthier, more balanced lives.

The Smile on My Face

My own photo was one taken at a park in Brooklyn, New York when I was four years old. I had not a care in the world, and the smile on my face was a testament to the innocence and simplicity of my life back then. I hadn’t yet been exposed to the many challenges ahead—the highs and lows, the losses and gains—the big world waiting for me outside my safe little bubble.

Advocating for ourselves may not come easily, especially if you are someone who is always putting others first, and that’s okay. We are all made of many layers. But I encourage those who are struggling (which is most of us), to find that childhood photo. Reclaim your essence, because you can.

Let your childhood curiosity, joy, and laughter remind you of the way you used to be, and how you can be again.

Advocate for yourself. Stop letting uncertainty and fear sabotage your performance, well-being, and relationships. Do it because you love yourself, believe in yourself, and—unlike my mom—you still can.

LET'S CONNECT

If you're ready to start this journey of advocating for yourself, please accept my gift of a free consultation. We'll explore your goals and some of obstacles that have been holding you back. We'll also discuss an action step that will start you on your way to a happier life.

Please email me at innervoicelifecoach08@gmail.com. There is no cost or obligation, just the chance to share your thoughts with a certified life coach who is eager to help you take that first step.