Roar by Katy Perry

Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath. Scared to rock the boat and make a mess. So, I sat quietly, agreed politely.

For those of you who know me you might find this difficult to believe, but the opening lines of Roar by Katy Perry would once have been an accurate description of me. So, what changed you may ask? To quote Miss Perry; I guess that I forgot I had a choice.

I think it is a profound truth that we always have a choice we can make. Perhaps not easy choices, and often choices we might not like the potential consequences of, but nevertheless we always have a choice.

The song takes us through the potential consequence of realising we have agency; people will inevitably try to hold us down. But the response; we get up and brush off the dirt. Infact the song describes the act as being somewhat celebratory; Dancin’ through the fire, ‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar! Facing challenge may even be something to be celebrated.

I find this an encouraging song when I feel like people might be trying to turn me from my intended path or silence my views. For a variety of reasons, people will knock us down, but rather than feeling sorry for ourselves, we can see this as part of the course for a champion. Perry even gives a nod to Mohammed Ali with her lyric; Now I’m floating like a butterfly, stinging like a bee … it’s all part of the experience of proudly being able to declare … I earned my stripes.

So, if you’re facing a hard time at the moment. Take encouragement from Katy Perry and find your roar. Stick to you path and earn your stripes. It will be worth it in the end.
Need to find your inner roar? Why not consider booking an appointment with the author, Dr Dave Wood of Realign Coaching via Keia.