Words by Kitty Newman // photo by Fellipe Ditadi
The world moves at a relentless pace, and we’re constantly encouraged to be more productive, to move faster, to do more. Lately, that’s made me rethink what strength and endurance actually look like in my everyday life.
Rather than holding myself to rigid expectations, I’ve started paying more attention to intention and to what I truly value.
Strength Beyond Productivity and Performance
Strength is no longer defined solely by output or endurance. Increasingly, it’s being understood as boundaries, clarity, and the ability to make thoughtful choices. I’ve begun to recognise strength in saying no, in prioritising what truly matters, and in allowing myself to move at a more considered pace.
Not long ago, I cancelled something I would once have pushed myself to attend, an event I’d committed to out of habit rather than desire. I felt the familiar pull of guilt as I typed the message, but what followed surprised me: relief. That small decision freed up an evening at home, unremarkable on the surface, but deeply restorative. It reminded me that protecting my energy can be just as meaningful as spending it. And it wasn’t an event I would be letting anyone down by not attending, I think it’s important to stay true to your commitments if you’ve made them, but letting go of this small event, changed something in my brain.
Balance as a Personal, Flexible Concept
Lately, conversations about modern identity often circle ideas like the divine feminine — a phrase that’s started to attract a fair bit of eye-rolling. It’s been dismissed as woo, overused, or vaguely embarrassing. But beneath the cliché is something quietly powerful: a language for qualities that have long been undervalued.
Divine feminine isn’t a belief system or a trend; it’s a cultural shorthand for ways of being that include creativity, reflection, and intuition. It offers a counterbalance to constant striving and output, reminding us that receptivity, care, and inner knowing are forms of strength too.
What matters most isn’t the label itself, but how these qualities show up in your everyday life, how they help you find balance, set boundaries, and stay anchored in what feels true. If we are, in fact, divine in our own human way, then surely we’re allowed to name it, honour it, and live accordingly.
Self-Awareness as a Daily Practice
Balance looks different for almost everyone, and it shifts depending on your responsibilities, your circumstances, and your goals. Rather than chasing a perfect formula, more women are choosing flexibility over rigidity. Balance might mean adjusting your routines, carving out space for rest, and not feeling guilty for doing so.
Self-awareness is another cornerstone of redefining modern womanhood. When you make it a habit to check in with yourself, you begin to understand what truly supports your well-being. This doesn’t require sweeping changes or life-altering decisions. Even small practices, like:
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Mindful planning
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Journaling
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Quiet reflection
…can help you stay aligned with your intentions. Over time, these tiny moments of awareness accumulate, giving you the ability to respond thoughtfully rather than react automatically, and turning everyday choices into acts of care and conscious strength.
Living With Intention in a Modern World
When you start to redefine balance and strength, as well as self-awareness, it’s not about following a trend; it’s about making conscious choices that reflect your values. When you allow yourself to adjust, explore, and grow, you begin to create a lifestyle that supports both presence and purpose. By embracing flexible definitions and intentional living, you give yourself permission to move through life with clarity, a sense of personal direction, and confidence.
This approach encourages ongoing curiosity instead of fixed answers. As life circumstances shift, you’ll see that balance and strength can shift too. This leaves room for reflection and adjustment, helping you connect with what matters most.
I noticed this recently on a simple Thursday morning. I had planned to rush through my usual routine, checking emails and ticking off tasks before breakfast. But something inside me paused. I sat down with my coffee, let myself linger, and watched the morning light fill the kitchen. It was only twenty minutes, but in that small pause, I felt more present, more focused, and oddly more productive for the rest of the day. That brief choice reminded me that living with intention isn’t about grand gestures. It’s in the small, repeated acts that your values truly take shape.
