The Warrior Within: Own Your Power to Serve, Fight, Protect, and Heal

(Hardback)

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A transformational guide to getting yourself right in order to accomplish the work you were meant to do, from speaker, former U.S. Air Force officer, and member of the Ottawa tribe D.J. Vanas. When faced with an important job, and people depending on you to do it, most of us will give and give until there's nothing left. But running on empty, even for a worthy cause, only sets you up for failure in the long run. To persevere on the path to success requires more than sheer fearlessness and willpower. It requires what D.J. Vanas calls the warrior spirit, the kind of strength that looks outward but comes from deep within. Drawing inspiration from Native American philosophy and tradition, The Warrior Within outlines a new model for personal power in the face of overwhelming chaos. A true warrior is not the toughest or bravest person in the room. A true warrior is committed to self-mastery, knows how to navigate change and disruption, transforms setbacks into opportunities for achievement, refuses to quit, and most importantly, always fights for something bigger than the self.With a vast array of stories and examples, from vision quests to treacherous hikes to veterans and service providers at the front lines, Vanas shows how to apply these principles to transform how you show up both for yourself and those around you. More than an empowerment manual, The Warrior Within is a call to accomplish the world-changing work you were meant for by tapping into the power of the warrior spirit.

Reviews

Praise for The Warrior Within

Warriors, as Air Force Veteran D.J. Vanas shows us, are not the square-jawed, broad-shouldered, two-dimensional characters we so often watch on the screen. They arent fearless, are rarely brilliant, and lose as often as they win. But in his thoughtful The Warrior Within, Vanas captures the essence of steadfast courage, self-discipline, and resilience that describes those among us who embody the true warrior spirit.
--General Stanley McChrystal, retired, author of Risk and Team of Teams

"The powerful lessons imparted in these chapters will inspire strength, confidence and motivation, so that you can deliver your best in the worst of circumstanceswhile keeping your sanity and health! I encourage every healthcare giver to read The Warrior Within, for they truly serve, fight, protect and heal every day, often at their own expense."
--LeAnn Thieman, author of the Chicken Soup for Nurses Soul series and founder of SelfCare for HealthCare

"I highly recommend The Warrior Within! Through great storytelling, D.J. Vanas shares an often overlooked element of leadership ... taking care of yourself. Our beautiful Anishinaabe teachings emphasize balance in all things. Being a warrior means recognizing your needs and honoring your gifts. Way to go, D.J.!"
--Angeline Boulley (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians) New York Times bestselling author of Firekeeper's Daughter

"D.J. Vanas inspires us to find our warrior spirit of courage, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork in lifes most fearful times. Your heart will soar like an eagle as you read how ordinary heroes use this inner strength to serve othersand how we can learn to do the same.
--Joseph Pfeifer, FDNY Assistant Chief, retired, author of Ordinary Heroes

This is it: the book Ive been waiting for! There isnt another on the market that applies indigenous principles and ideas in order to expose the warrior in you. A comprehensive, compelling, emotional and amazingly insightful book. I couldnt put it down. I wish I had this book years ago!"
--Juanita Mullen (Seneca), AI/AN Veterans Liaison, Department of Veterans Affairs

DJ Vanas describes a life of leading and doing through Indigenous identity and values. Combining his personal story with advice, The Warrior Within is more than a leadership book. It is a story of living a life of abundance and rich relationships, with DJ as your terrific guide.
--Cheryl Crazy Bull, President & CEO, American Indian College Fund

"The Warrior Within is more than a book its a leadership tool written by a man who emulates its teachings in his personal and professional life. Packed full of real-world anecdotes and practical advice on facing adversity and dealing with change, it will empower you to face lifes battles with honor and courage. Embrace its teaching and you will certainly cultivate your warrior within!"
--Lieutenant Colonel Waldo Waldman, executive coach and author of Never Fly Solo

"D.J. has captured the essence of being a warrior in a thoughtful, deeply meaningful way. No matter how successful we may be professionally, personally, or financially, we all struggle with challenges along the way. Recognizing your fallibility doesnt make you less capable, rather, it adds to the strength of your experience. DJ helps us view the warrior spirit as a journey, rather than a destination.
--John B. Herrington, CDR (U.S. Navy, Ret.), and first Native American astronaut

This book is for readers who want to tap into something deeper that warrior spirit Vanas so eloquently describes to serve at their best every day, and become strong enough to do it for a lifetime. Filled with the distilled wisdom of the ages and proven in the toughest of times, Vanas shows you how to become more tenacious, courageous, and ultimately, become a warrior of good. A fantastic read! If understanding and applying the warrior spirit was an Olympic sport, DJ Vanas would win the Gold Medal!
--Ruben Gonzalez, four-time Olympian and author of The Courage to Succeed

Author Bio

D.J. Vanas is an internationally-acclaimed speaker for Fortune 500 companies, hundreds of tribal nations, and over 7,000 audiences nationwide. An enrolled member of the Ottawa Tribe of Michigan and a former U.S. Air Force officer, he inspires others to practically apply the power of the warrior spirit in business and in life. He is the author of The Tiny Warrior and Spirit on the Run and was featured in the PBS film The Warrior Tradition. He hosted the Discovering Your Warrior Spirit show on PBS. He lives in San Diego.