WE RISE: Emotional Resilience in a Time of Uncertainty

Image courtesy of Dr. Angie Kearns, from her YouTube video ‘Black Women, Rise Above: Turning Adversity into Triumph.’ Check out her empowering content on YouTube at Dr. Angie Kearns, the PQ.

A Reflection for Mothers and Daughters

The recent TikTok ban, though brief, served as a stark reminder of how quickly our sources of connection and livelihood can be disrupted. For me, as a business owner, just like many of the moms who use this platform to make a living, TikTok wasn’t just another social media platform. It was where I had begun to build a community, gain momentum, and share my vision. When the ban hit, it felt like everything I had worked so hard for was suddenly at risk. TikTok was not just about content. It was about connection and opportunity. The uncertainty of whether the platform would survive left me questioning my efforts and wondering if everything I had built was about to crumble.

This moment of uncertainty was not just about a platform. It was about hope and progress, the kind we work tirelessly to create as women and mothers. Adding to this was the upcoming inauguration, a reminder of how far we have come but also how far we still have to go. For many, there was a lingering hope that this would be the moment we would see a woman rise to the nation’s highest office, a hope yet to be fulfilled. Coupled with the commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this intersection of events has been a time for reflection on resilience, progress, and the power to rise above.

As I reflect on this moment, I think of trailblazing women like Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a key scientist behind the COVID-19 vaccine. Her brilliance and perseverance not only helped save millions of lives but also served as a powerful example of what Black women can achieve, even in systems not designed to support us. Women like Dr. Corbett remind us that resilience and determination can lead to transformative change, even in the face of adversity.

No Matter What

No matter what challenges arise, I refuse to let my daughters see me defeated by fear or uncertainty. As Maya Angelou so powerfully wrote in Still I Rise:

“You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I’ll rise.”

Despite the unknowns and moments of self-doubt, I rise unapologetically. I stand resolute, embodying strength and resilience, channeling the wisdom of generations of Black women who faced ridicule, hostility, and unfulfilled promises yet stood tall.

I teach my daughters that our worth is not defined by the limitations others impose on us. Instead, we are creators and builders, capable of turning challenges into opportunities. Every setback is a lesson, and every obstacle is a stepping stone.

Although this message is deeply rooted in the experiences of Black women, it resonates with us all. As Maya Angelou wisely stated:

“If it is true that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, isn’t it also true a society is only as healthy as its sickest citizen and only as wealthy as its most deprived?”

Dr. King’s legacy reinforces this truth. His unwavering belief in justice and progress reminds us that while the journey may be slow, resilience and collective effort can transform any challenge into an opportunity for growth. His life is a testament to rising above fear and uncertainty to create lasting change.

My daughters will know they can raise their voices, challenge unjust norms, and demand the respect and recognition they deserve. They will understand that disappointment is temporary, but resilience is eternal. When the world tries to label us as less than, we rise above the narrative, showing our strength and determination.

Planting Seeds of Strength

This belief inspired me to create A Seed Into A Flowher Workbook. It is not just a journal. It is a tool for young girls to explore their emotions, cultivate resilience, and dream fearlessly. Through guided prompts and creative exercises, it provides a space for mothers and daughters to connect, plant seeds of strength, and nurture their growth together.

Resilience is not about avoiding life’s challenges but rising above them. I want my daughters to see that uncertainty is part of the journey and that with perseverance, it can lead to something greater.

Choosing to Rise Together

Hold your head high, with pride and determination coursing through your veins. My daughters will see me fight, not just for them but alongside them. I refuse to be defined by failure or fear. Together, we carve out our destiny, unyielding and unapologetic.

To every mother reading this and every daughter watching her: let this be a time of hope and action. Let Maya Angelou’s words remind us of the strength we carry, and let Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy inspire us to keep moving forward. Whether journaling your dreams, building community, or simply refusing to give up, take a step today. Together, we rise, always.

About the Author

For more information on how A Seed Into A Flowher supports resilience and intentional growth for young girls and their mothers, visit Sdanielledallis.com/flowher. Life coach S. Danielle Dallis offers practical tools and strategies to help women navigate life’s challenges while prioritizing self-care, emotional well-being, and meaningful connections. The A Seed Into A Flowher workbook is designed to inspire resilience, growth, and purpose, empowering mothers and daughters to rise together. Join the journey of cultivating strength and leading with intention.