“Every single day, when I wake up and put my feet on the floor, my job is not to betray myself.” — Viola Davis
Viola has spoken many words that have left me speechless, and I know she’ll continue offering truths that demand to be remembered.
I’ve been reading her autobiography, and this quote resonates with particular power. She has weathered profound betrayals throughout her life, and her journey to recognition is both harrowing and inspiring. What strikes me most deeply is her hard-won ability to honour herself daily despite everything that might have taught her to do otherwise.
She does not say this just to sound profound. They emerge from her lived experience as a Black woman navigating systems designed to demand compromise. Yet her wisdom extends to all of us who must learn not to betray ourselves—through our decisions, our silence, or even how we pursue our dreams.
I’m moved by her unwavering commitment to speaking necessary truths while living in alignment with those same truths. There is no gap between her words and her actions.
Each morning, she recommits to herself. I want to wake with that same sacred intention—to place my feet on the floor and begin again the daily practice of not betraying who I truly am.
