Chee-Hoo!
This morning, as I was deep into my workout, a song from Moana came on. The lyrics hit me like a surge of energy:
"You're gonna, you're gonna a-make some history.
Come on-a, Moana, go get your destiny.
Can I get a...? 'Cause I need a, let me hear a chee-hoo!"
Then came the next part:
"You gotta, you wanna, it's time to level up.
Go show 'em, go show 'em, tell 'em enough's enough.
Come on-a, Moana, go get your destiny."
I felt it. Physically, as I pushed through my workout. Emotionally and spiritually, as something deep within me stirred.
And then it hit me—I am so hard on myself. Probably the one thing I have mastered in life is self-criticism. As I listened, it felt like Maui himself was giving me a pep talk (and I chose to take it that way). The song reminded me of how often I get in my own way, held back by perfectionism and the relentless chatter of negative self-talk.
Life. ALL. THE. TIME.
My mind plays arguments with imaginary people, voices that shame, berate, and highlight my every supposed shortcoming. But as I moved to the beat, I had yet another realization—one that I’ve had before but needed to remember:
Those voices? They don’t belong. They are not necessary.
Because here’s the truth—I would never speak to a friend the way I speak to myself. If a friend came to me struggling, I’d be kind. I’d be compassionate. I’d listen deeply, thoughtfully, and offer words of encouragement.
So why do I hold myself to a different standard?
As I sat with this, I looked up the meaning of Chee-Hoo!—a phrase that had caught my attention in the song. It turns out it’s a Polynesian exclamation, a greeting that conveys pride, unity, and celebration. A rallying cry. A cheer.
And I realized: I needed to give myself a Chee-Hoo today.
I needed to call out my own greatness, to celebrate myself, to cheer myself on. I needed to shift from being my own worst critic to being my biggest champion.
So here it is—CHEE-HOO! To growth. To self-kindness. To leveling up. To embracing our own destiny with joy and celebration.
Maybe you need to give yourself a Chee-Hoo today, too?
