The Strawberry and Chocolate Club

Because the world won’t always remind you how powerful you are

In life’s most demanding moments—when deadlines loom, self-doubt creeps in, or failure feels near—what we often lack the most isn’t skill, strength, or stamina. It’s encouragement. That simple, soulful reminder that you are strong, you are capable, you are enough.

In sports, there’s always a cheer squad. In cricket, basketball, baseball, or hockey—every high-pressure match has people dancing and screaming from the sidelines. Because the players need it. Because performance without support is hollow. But what about us? Where’s our cheerleading squad when real life feels like game day?

Stress silences even the best intentioned

Here’s the catch: when stress hits hard, it doesn’t just paralyze you—it shuts down everyone around you too. People who love you, people who care… even they may fall silent, overwhelmed by their own burdens.

And it’s not their fault. When someone can barely stand tall in their own storm, it’s tough to hold an umbrella for someone else. That’s why expecting others to cheer for you all the time is a recipe for disappointment. It’s not sustainable. But encouragement is essential—so where should it come from?

Your loudest supporter should be you

If there’s one person who can always be with you in your darkest hour, it’s you. And in that moment, you have to be your own loudest, kindest, most persistent supporter.

You have to remind yourself: I am creative.
I am strong.
I’ve gotten through tough days before—this one is no different.

This is not self-indulgence. This is self-preservation. This is how you stay in the game.

Why does self-cheering even matter?

Because the mind has a strange way of listening to what it hears the most—especially under stress. And if all it hears is silence or criticism, it starts to believe it.

Self-cheering disrupts that loop. It breaks the trance of defeat and says: “You’ve got this.” And sometimes, that’s all you need to move forward.

How to be your own cheerleader

If you’re wondering how to actually do this—how to go from self-doubt to self-belief—here are a few practices that have helped me:

1. Practice self-kindness through daily rituals.
   I recently discovered the Hawaiian Ho’oponopono prayer. It’s a simple but powerful way to apologize to yourself for harshness, express gratitude, and forgive your own missteps. The words are: “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.” Try whispering them to yourself when you feel low.
   
2. Build things—anything.
   Our mind trusts proof more than pep talks. Build your body at the gym. Start a YouTube channel. Cook a meal. Finish a puzzle. Create something, no matter how small. Progress reignites belief.
   
3. Surround yourself with kind, uplifting people.
   Talking kindly about yourself isn’t arrogance—it’s sanity. If the people around you scoff at your confidence, maybe it’s time to rethink your circle.
   
4. Limit time with those who drain you.
   Some people thrive on making others feel small. Protect your energy. Distance is a form of self-respect.
   
5. Reconnect with your fearless, childhood self.
   Look at your baby photos—the joy, the curiosity, the unfiltered confidence. That was the real you, before the world taught you fear. Tap into that energy again.
   

Love starts with you

As the iconic RuPaul says, “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?” This is not just pop culture wisdom—it’s spiritual truth.

You don’t need pom-poms or a crowd. You just need your own voice whispering, shouting, or singing: I believe in you. Because sometimes, that’s all it takes to turn the game around.