Confronting Resistance: A Personal Journey and Universal Truth

“Resistance will rear its head when you’re onto something good. The more important a call or action is to our soul’s evolution, the more Resistance we will feel toward pursuing it.”

– Stephen Pressfield, The War of Art

Recently, I made a decision that felt monumental for my personal growth: I wrote and released five deeply vulnerable emails about my past—about the physical, verbal, and emotional violence I’ve experienced and my journey in calling it what it truly is. I’ve spent years curating my story, softening its edges, and avoiding naming the abuse for what it was. But now, I’ve chosen honesty. I’ve chosen truth.

And, as expected, Resistance showed up.

What Resistance Feels Like

Resistance isn’t always loud and obvious. Sometimes, it’s that small voice whispering, “You shouldn’t have said that. People won’t understand. You’re making too much of this.”

It’s the sinking feeling in your chest when you hesitate to check comments or feedback. It’s the urge to delete, to hide, to disappear until the storm passes.

Right now, I feel all of it:

The fear of judgment.

The second-guessing of my own words.

The physical tension that comes with vulnerability.

The panic response of wanting to go hide, be unseen. Be SAFE.

Resistance is real, and it comes in many forms. For me, it’s the pull to negate the very truth I’ve just shared. It’s the temptation to retreat, to pretend none of this ever happened.

But here’s what I’ve learned: Resistance only shows up when you’re doing something that matters.

Resistance and the Truth About Violence

When I reflect on why I’m feeling so much Resistance, I realize it’s because I’ve chosen to shine a light on something many prefer to keep in the shadows: the truth about violence—emotional, physical, verbal.

“The more your work matters—the more Resistance will do everything in its power to stop you.” – Stephen Pressfield

Violence isn’t just what we see in movies or hear about in extreme cases. It’s rage. It’s uncontrolled anger that tears apart families. It’s the emotional wounds inflicted by parents, partners, and others who should have nurtured us.

For years, I minimized my experiences. I called it something less severe because that was easier than facing the hurt. But now, I understand that naming it for what it truly is—abuse—is a step toward healing, not just for me but for anyone who may see their own story in mine.

Moving Through Resistance

So, how do we deal with Resistance? How do we keep moving forward when every fiber wants to stop, hide, and quit?

“Resistance never leaves before you act. It leaves BECAUSE you act.” – Stephen Pressfield

Here’s what I’m learning:

• Acknowledge the Resistance. It’s there for a reason. It’s a sign that what you’re doing matters.

• Lean into the discomfort. The hesitation, the doubt, the “what ifs”—these are not signs to stop. They’re signs to keep going.

• Take action, no matter how small. Resistance only loses its power when we move through it.

An Invitation to Reflect

I want to leave you with a few questions:

• Where is Resistance showing up in your life right now?

• What’s the thing you KNOW you need to do—but you keep putting off?

• What would happen if you just… did it?

For me, writing those emails was one way of facing my Resistance. No matter how vulnerable it made me feel, sharing my truth was a step toward reclaiming my story—on my terms.

If you’re feeling Resistance in your life, I hope this serves as a reminder: The bigger the dream, the more challenging, and the more complex the Resistance fights you. But that’s not a sign to stop. It’s a sign you’re on the right path.

Let’s move forward, together.

Final Thoughts

“Resistance will always show up in equal proportion to the importance of the work we’re meant to do.” – Stephen Pressfield

Whatever you’re facing, know this: Resistance is not your enemy. It’s proof that you’re doing something meaningful. So take a deep breath, trust in your journey, and keep moving forward.

In a bold move against the many ways I am feeling Resistance, I recorded a Secret Podcast as a direct response to it. This podcast serves as my personal “F you” to Resistance. It’s not just a reflection of my journey; it’s an act of defiance. It’s a way for me to reclaim my voice and share my truths without the filters I’ve worn for so long.

If this resonates, if you're ready to face your Resistance and reclaim your voice, join my Kaleidoscope community. You'll get access to my Secret Podcast and a supportive space to move forward.

I’d love to hear from you—where is Resistance showing up for you? How are you moving through it? Let’s start a conversation.