Dear Ella,

As we step into February, I want to take a moment to celebrate the women of this community—women who have walked through fire and emerged not just intact, but stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever. In a world that often tries to shrink us, to make us doubt our worth, to tell us we are too much or not enough, we are here to reclaim our voices, our power, and our place.

This month, we honor the unshakable strength that lives within us. Strength that is not measured by how much we endure, but by the way we rise—how we choose ourselves, how we love ourselves, and how we stand beside one another. True power is found in the moments we refuse to be silenced, in the deep knowing that we are worthy of love, respect, and joy simply because we exist.

Rebel Thriver is more than a community; it is a sisterhood—one that refuses to let any woman walk her journey alone. Here, we uplift one another. We remind each other of our worth when the world tries to make us forget. We stand together, unwavering, knowing that when one of us rises, we all rise.

So this month, I ask you to reflect on the strength that already exists within you. Not the strength of survival alone, but the strength of becoming—of rediscovering the parts of yourself that were never lost, only buried. May this be the season you remember who you are.

With love and unwavering belief in you,

Ella Hicks is a seasoned trauma and mindfulness coach dedicated to guiding women from all around the world on their healing journeys. As a survivor of domestic violence, she deeply understands the complexities of the healing process. As the founder of Rebel Thriver, she uses her expertise to serve as a guide and sounding board for women working to overcome the aftermath of abuse, empowering them to embrace a brighter future.

Join Ella Hicks on a transformative journey of

self discovery, personal growth, and empowerment. 

We BLOOM in March!

Too many of us start out life without being taught how to create a strong personal foundation, which is critical for navigating life. As a result we end up losing ourselves in relationships, careers, and motherhood. 

How do we find the path back home to ourselves when so many  obstacles have been put in our way? 

BLOOM is the roadmap to help you reconnect to the woman that are destined to become.  Together with a community of like minded women, you’ll embark on a path to reconnect with your inner strength and build an unshakable personal foundation — one that will support you through life’s challenges and allow you to thrive. It’s time to nurture your roots, honor your journey, and step into the power and clarity that come from truly knowing yourself.

 Affirmations for Self-Love:

By Jacqui F.

1. I am worthy of love, just as I am.
2. I embrace my flaws and see them as part of my beauty.
3. I deserve care, kindness, and respect from myself and others.
4. I release the need to be perfect and allow myself to be real.
5. I trust myself to make decisions that honor my well-being.
6. My worth is not determined by the opinions of others.
7. I am allowed to take up space and prioritize my needs.
8. I choose to speak kindly to myself.
9. I let go of past mistakes and allow myself to grow.
10. I am enough, exactly as I am right now.



Our private online community, The Village, is a dream come true for so many women because it provides a truly safe space to heal. For survivors, finding a place that feels genuinely secure—where everyone speaks the same language of healing and support—can be incredibly challenging.

The Village stands as an oasis in the often inauthentic world of social media. Women from around the globe come together here to learn, heal, and find unwavering support. It’s more than just a community; it’s a vibrant, empowering sisterhood where transformation happens and lasting connections are built.

Galentine's Day

6 digital downloads to send to your favorite Gals

We love our sisters, and we know you do too.

This is the perfect time of year to celebrate the incredible women in your life—to remind them how much they mean to you and how deeply they are loved.

Download and share one of our Galentine’s below! In the spirit of sisterhood, we ask for a $5 donation to support the women of Rebel Thriver—because when we lift each other up, we all rise.



Thank you for spreading love and making a difference.

Self-Love: Embracing Your Inner Strength

By Jacqui Fox

In a world that often measures worth by external achievements, appearances, and accolades, self-love is the quiet revolution that challenges these norms. It’s not about vanity or self-indulgence; it’s about nurturing an authentic relationship with yourself and recognizing your inherent value. Self-love isn’t always easy, but it is one of the most profound ways to unlock your inner strength and live a life of purpose and joy.

At its core, self-love is the practice of treating yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would offer a dear friend. It’s about embracing your flaws and imperfections, understanding that they are what make you human, not unworthy. Society often glorifies perfection, yet the beauty of life lies in its messiness. When you accept your authentic self, you discover a wellspring of confidence and resilience within.

What does self-love look like in practice? It’s prioritizing your mental and physical health, saying “no” when your limits are reached, and setting boundaries that protect your peace. It’s learning to forgive yourself for past mistakes and recognizing that growth is a lifelong journey. Self-love is not selfish; it allows you to show up fully for others because you’re not pouring from an empty cup.

Self-love also requires silencing the inner critic that whispers doubt and negativity. That voice thrives on comparison and fear, yet it loses power when confronted with self-compassion. Instead of berating yourself for shortcomings, celebrate the small victories. Cultivate a narrative that uplifts rather than diminishes.

True inner strength emerges when self-love becomes the foundation of your life. It’s the kind of strength that allows you to weather life’s storms without losing your sense of self. When challenges arise, self-love reminds you that you have the tools to persevere. It’s not about avoiding hardships. It's about knowing that you are capable of rising above them.

In embracing self-love, you become a beacon of authenticity and courage. You inspire others to embark on their own journeys of self-acceptance. After all, a world where individuals truly love themselves is one filled with kindness, empathy, and collective strength.

Self-love isn’t a destination; it’s a practice. Start small. Speak kindly to yourself today, take a moment to rest, or celebrate something you’ve achieved. Over time, these acts of love build a solid foundation for an unshakable inner strength. And remember: You are worthy, you are enough, and your inner strength is boundless.





Real Strength

By Diana Colaco

I've often been told, "You are so strong."

The words seamlessly seared themselves into my psyche

Do I grant them permanent residency status?

Are they authorized to live in the insides of me?

They inhabit every fiber of my subsistence

They receive enormous and immediate acclaim

They begin making impassioned demands 

I am destined to have their doomed presence in company

Life lets me endure an assortment of encounters and ordeals

I find respite in holding back my tears

I melt into obeisance and compliance

Terrified to advocate for myself

I agreeably don the mask of people-pleasing

This is how I could be successful

That is how I would be admired

Here is how I go about life – flawlessly crafted, intelligently constructed

I derive pleasure from being hyper-independent

I decide to fly under the radar to escape prying eyes

I downplay my achievements – large and small

Knowing fairly well that I can do it all

Living blissfully in my orbit

I inadvertently hurtle headlong toward my pain

What could have triggered this unforeseen downpour?

Would I be asked to pay a forfeit?

There are quavers in my voice

Which grow into an inescapable and undrownable noise

Do I have a choice to rise above these vagaries?

Will I rejoice in finding the core of who I am?

I embark on a journey of reconnecting, repairing, and reclaiming

Arduous and daunting though it is

I am propelled to recover what is truly my own

To reignite a love for the gentle, sensitive girl in me

I am overwhelmed by what I find

Bouts of despair overtake and consume me

Guilt and shame envelop the inner recesses of my mind

I find it conceited just to be

I lay down this massive armor of strength

Rigorously and candidly making room for vulnerability and fears

Audaciously accommodating missteps and failures

This is how I ceaselessly find healing amidst it all

If sending cards just isn't your thing, then perhaps a plush throw or a new mug for the women in your life? "You are allowed to be a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously."

- Sophia Bush

Loving Your Body and its Wisdom

By Kyra Strasberg

One of the quickest things to happen in an abusive relationship is the separation of mind and body. Our mind takes over and divorces us from our body’s wisdom. It's too painful to feel the truth. Our innate feminine senses are screaming at us, but have been drowned out by the abuse’s voice that “knows better.” Dissociation is the technical term. Why should we listen to our body when our mind thinks it knows best how to keep us safe?

When we are finally safe, this separation takes time to heal. It takes conscious,consistent attention to our body. 

Here’s the rub, when we feel strong in our bodies, it deepens our belief in ourselves. It gives us the courage to trust our boundaries, our thoughts, and our decisions. Being able to anchor in our own strength helps us adapt and adjust our sails to life’s ever changing seas.

What do you do to honor this most sacred of human forms?

How do you feel in your skin?

What can you do to awaken that beautiful long lost connection? 

There are podcasts, running groups, and many external opportunities to feel strong, but this sacred relationship is an inside job. It takes time and patience. It’s not easy, yet it is so worth the effort. 

How about if we learn to sit with the emotions that arise and feel them? 

What does anger feel like: is it hot or cold?

How about sadness: heavy, thick?

And joy is it spacious and warm? 

The task is to simply feel these within the outline of your body. Keep it out of your head, feel it, breathe into it, and notice how it changes. What does that feel like as heaviness grows into something easier to manage? And when it has transformed, honor that. Wash your hands, shake it off, turn up the music and dance, go for a walk.

Once we have allowed ourselves to feel we must celebrate this holy reunion. There is a certain alchemy created when we take the time to honor this bond. It gives us the courage to stand in our lives the way we want to walk through the world. Steady, safe, and strong.

As we close this edition of The Village Compass, I leave you with the words of Audre Lorde: "Without community, there is no liberation."

Sisterhood is more than just support—it is the foundation of our healing, our strength, and our collective power. As we move forward in this new year, may we continue to lift one another up, celebrate each other’s growth, and create a space where every woman feels seen, valued, and loved.



Never forget: we rise together.

"We're all just walking each other home." - Ram Dass