Becoming Her Again: The Journey Back to Yourself
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Ashley Keith
Somewhere along the way — between chasing dreams, handling responsibilities, and showing up for everyone else — we forget who we were before life got loud. The version of us who laughed without overthinking, who believed anything was possible, who trusted the process instead of trying to control it.
Becoming “her” again isn’t about going backward. It’s about returning to the pieces of yourself you left behind — the ones buried under survival mode, silence, or self-doubt. It’s about finding your way home to the woman you were always meant to be.
The Moment You Realize You’ve Been Gone
For me, that moment came quietly. As a nonspeaking, hearing-impaired, and sensory-sensitive coach and mom, I learned to navigate the world in a way most people don’t understand. I communicate differently. I process differently. And for a long time, I thought that meant I was different — in a way that made me less.
There were days I questioned if my voice — the one that doesn’t always sound typical — would ever be enough in a world that often values loud over real. I worked hard to prove my worth, to keep up, to fit in. But in the process, I lost sight of the woman who didn’t need to prove anything at all.
That realization hurt — but it was also my turning point. Because the moment I stopped trying to sound like everyone else was the moment I started becoming myself again.
The Unraveling Isn’t Failure — It’s Freedom
When life shifts, so do you. My journey through silence, hearing loss, and the weight of expectations taught me that strength isn’t about holding it together — it’s about knowing when to release.
The unraveling came with tears, reflection, and acceptance. I stopped running from the version of me that needed rest, softness, and grace. I began to honor the parts of myself that once felt like weaknesses — my sensitivity, my quietness, my way of processing the world.
Every piece I let go of made room for truth. Every layer I shed brought me closer to her — the woman I used to be before fear told her to hide.
Learning to Listen Again
When you live with hearing loss, you learn that listening is more than sound. It’s energy. It’s presence. It’s awareness.
Becoming her again meant learning to listen — not just to others, but to myself. To the way my body responds to noise and chaos. To the moments my heart whispers, “slow down.” To the truth that my worth isn’t measured by how I speak, but by how I show up.
Listening became my superpower. It taught me empathy, patience, and how to connect beyond words. It reminded me that communication isn’t about volume — it’s about meaning.
Reclaiming Joy and Purpose
Joy isn’t always loud or flashy. Sometimes it’s quiet — a moment of stillness, a morning workout, laughter with my child, or the calm that comes from accepting who you are.
Through the silence, I rediscovered my purpose. Coaching others — especially those who feel unseen, unheard, or misunderstood — reminded me that every story matters. That strength looks different on everyone. That our differences aren’t limitations; they’re invitations to connect more deeply.
You’re Still Becoming
If you’re reading this and you feel disconnected — from your purpose, your passion, or your voice — know this: you’re not lost. You’re just becoming.
Becoming her again doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the in-between — in the moments of uncertainty, courage, and surrender. It’s the gentle rediscovery of the woman you’ve always been: resilient, intuitive, and powerful beyond measure.
She’s still there, waiting for you to come home.
About the Author
Ashley Keith is a nonspeaking, hearing-impaired, and sensory-sensitive coach, mom, and fitness professional who empowers others to rebuild strength, balance, and confidence through functional fitness and mindset work. As the founder of Tactical Warrior Fitness, she helps first responders, military families, and resilient women rise through change, self-acceptance, and purpose. Ashley’s mission is to remind others that their story and strength still matter — even in the quiet.
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