And I'm so thankful that I've been allowed to show another side

Trish Stratus, a warrior of the squared circle and a woman who carved her name in the annals of wrestling history, once said with humble reflection: “And I’m so thankful that I’ve been allowed to show another side of Trish.” In these words lies not merely the confession of an athlete, but the eternal cry of every human being who longs to be seen not as a mask, not as a single role, but in the fullness of their truth. Gratitude flows from her recognition that she was granted the chance to reveal more than what the crowd first expected.

The origin of this statement rests in Stratus’s journey through professional wrestling. At first, she was cast into a world where women were often seen for spectacle more than substance. Yet through dedication, resilience, and the honing of her craft, she transcended that narrow vision. Her opportunity to show “another side” was not simply about athletic skill—it was about breaking free of limitation, about showing depth where once only surface was demanded. Her thankfulness springs from the chance to move beyond stereotype, to claim her identity as a competitor, an innovator, and a pioneer.

The ancients too told stories of such transformation. In Greek myth, Achilles was not only a warrior of unmatched might, but also a man of song, playing the lyre in quiet hours. Odysseus was not only cunning but tender, yearning for hearth and home. To reveal “another side” is to remind the world that no soul is one-dimensional. Stratus’s words echo this ancient wisdom: a true legacy is not built upon a single role, but upon the courage to reveal the many sides of one’s humanity.

History offers us countless examples. Consider Eleanor Roosevelt, who was once seen merely as the wife of a president, expected to remain in the shadow of her husband. Yet she revealed “another side” to the world—an advocate, a leader, a voice for the oppressed. Like Stratus, she was thankful that life granted her the chance to step beyond the role others imagined for her. In showing her fullness, she not only liberated herself but inspired others to do the same.

Stratus’s words also remind us of the gift of opportunity. Many long for the chance to reveal their deeper selves, yet are never given the stage, the audience, or the permission. Her gratitude is not just for her own success, but for the rare opening in which the world allowed her to break barriers. This is wisdom for us all: to treasure every moment when life grants us the chance to be more than the world expects, and to seize those moments with courage.

The lesson is clear: never allow yourself to be confined by the narrow view of others. Seek to reveal the fullness of who you are, even if it takes time and struggle. Be thankful for the opportunities, no matter how small, that allow you to show “another side.” For in doing so, you expand not only your own life but the imagination of all who witness you. What you reveal may become the key that unlocks courage in another.

Practical action flows naturally. Embrace growth and transformation, even if it challenges how others see you. Do not be afraid to step outside of old roles, for identity is not fixed—it is a living, breathing journey. Give thanks when chances arise to show more of yourself, and honor those who grant you the space to do so. And in turn, give others the same gift: allow them to reveal their hidden sides, free of judgment or expectation.

Thus, the words of Trish Stratus shine like a torch: to be thankful for the chance to reveal the fullness of one’s self, and to live in such a way that no mask or role could ever confine the spirit. For the greatest victory is not only won in the arena, but in the battle to be seen, in truth, as the whole of who you are.