Kia Kaha is a phrase that originated with the Maori people of New Zealand. It is an affirmation that roughly translates to “stay strong” or “forever strong”. I came across the phrase a few years ago during my first round of Les Mills Combat, a mixed martial arts inspired workout program. It is currently being used as the name of an anti-bullying campaign initiated by the New Zealand police, and I cannot think of a better name for a program that helps to empower youth.
The phrase had an immediate impact on me, and I adopted it as my mantra. I use it to remind myself to be strong both in body and in mind. I say it as I push through a tough workout. I repeat it in my head when I need mental strength to carry on during a difficult time. I share it as a message to friends and strangers alike to offer encouragement in challenging times.
I believe in the power of using a mantra, or a motto. I believe in this one enough to have made it a permanent part of me. Yesterday I gifted myself with an early birthday present in the form of a new tattoo incorporating my mantra, Kia Kaha. Now I have a constant reminder to never give up the fight, no matter what the fight may be. Here is the tattoo that is on my right shoulder (still a bit inflamed and tender):
Do you have a personal mantra or motto? What phrase helps you to get through a tough workout, or a tough day? What do you use to motivate yourself? As always I welcome your feedback and comments. Have a great week, friends, and Kia Kaha!
I think that is a wonderful mantra to help you through. Your tattoo is gorgeous, I love the little flower and the script, very delicate and pretty.
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Thank you! I think my hubby was apprehensive at first, but then he was like, “okay, that’s feminine.” 😉
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Yes it is very pretty 🙂
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This is a great tattoo. How cool to share about the Maori phrase “Kia Kaha”. Have a love for the Maori culture.
My wife and all my children are both have Canadian and New Zealand citizenship, and my oldest daughter is going to New Zealand for teacher’s college starting next February. Part of it she will be learning Maori. 🙂
As far personal mantras and mottos go, even though I try to keep it very low key on my blog, it would be my Christian faith. My favourite verse, particularly on a long gruelling run I would recite in my heart, Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”
Sincerely hope it is okay to share this.
As always, a great post Karen,
Thank you for sharing! 🙂
~Carl~
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How cool is it that you have the New Zealand connection?! I would love to plan a trip there someday to learn more about the culture. What a fantastic opportunity for your daughter!
It is absolutely okay for you to share any of your thoughts here, my friend. There is a scene in my all-time favorite movie, Remember the Titans, that references Isaiah 40:31 (I did not realize what verse it was until you mentioned it here). It is very fitting for motivating and uplifting! Best, Karen 🙂
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Thank you so much Karen, really means a lot. So cool that this verse is a part of that movie. I am the only one without the dual citizenship. When I got married down under, I went with a visitors visa, which was extended to a year. Unfortunately there was not the work at the time, so we returned to Canada. My daughter is super excited, with the exchange rate, and her New Zealand citizenship (does not have to pay international student fees), her teacher’s college is cheaper in New Zealand. 🙂
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I did not know the mantra – but I won’t forget it now!
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It struck me right away. I guess maybe our mantras or mottos choose us…
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Love the tattoo. I use “Never Give In Never Give up” but I like Kia Kaha so much shorter. NOw I just need the proper pronunciation for it
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I like that mantra, too- very powerful! Kia like the car, then Ka rhyming with Ha 🙂
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Thanks
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Karen! As I read the first lines of this post, and about Kia Kaha and what it means, I swear that it ran through my mind that it would make a great tattoo…and then, I saw yours! I’ve always thought about getting a tattoo but have a fear of needles!
I admire this mantra and I think your tattoo looks great and is a wonderful reminder of the strength we all need to possess in life! What a wonderful post…
Personally, I love the “Rosy the Riveter” motto of “We Can Do It” and her image that was used in WWII. It is a kind of mantra for me:-)
I hope you had a great weekend and thank you for sharing with us the initiative of the NZ police and what the words “Kia Kaha” mean!
*Lia
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Rosy is an awesome strong image for sure, and “We Can Do It” definitely qualifies as a great mantra!
I am good with needles, but I can’t lie…it did sting a little (A LOT). As the needle was buzzing away I just took deep breaths and said, “Kia Kaha! Kia Kaha!” 🙂
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Oh, you are indeed strong! Wow…sting, I am sure it did! But they say that pain is only temporary so now you are left with a gorgeous tattoo! Cheers my friend!
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How awesome is that. I don’t have any tattoos but if I were to ever get one I’d want one that had strong personal meaning.
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They aren’t for everyone, understandably. This is my second, and I didn’t get the first one until I hit 30. Both times I knew that it was something I would want forever. Once I decided on each I waited a year to make sure I was still sure before they became permanent.
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My husband did something similar. He only has one but he waited a year to make sure he really wanted it.
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Love the meaning of Kia Kaha..thanks for sharing!
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It’s powerful, isn’t it? Thank you for reading! 🙂
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Lovely tatoo! 🙂 I say “I can do it” and usually it works hehe 🙂
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Thank you! “I can do it” surely works much better than “I can’t do it”! I think any strong, affirmative statement is a good one! 🙂
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You’re welcome! I agree 🙂
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I don’t like many tatoo’s but I really like that one and the meaning behind it.
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Thank you! I get that they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. My husband is not a huge fan of them, but he was okay with this one, too. 🙂
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‘Be positive’ thats my go to mantra. Enjoyed your blog
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Be positive is a good one! Thank you for reading! 🙂
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Thank you. A great mantra. I agree. We should all have a mantra or motto. A good focus. Mine is JUST DO IT.
All the very best. Kris.
http://www.awritersden.wordpress.com
http://www.the1951club.org
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Affirmative and to the point, just as a mantra should be! I like it! Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
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Kia Kaha to you too! And thank you for such a nice strong start to the week. I suppose, if I had a mantra, at least a ‘strength mantra, it would be along the lines of ‘whatever doesn’t kill makes you strong’. (Borrowed from some strong genius somewhere along the line)
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I like that one! I have also used ‘whatever doesn’t kill me had better start running…” Powerful! 😉
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I love that one! It’s my new favorite from now on!
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With everything I’ve been through in the last year I’ve adopted the “I got this” as my mantra. I may even get me some ink now after seeing your tattoo. Kia Kaha to you!
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I like “I got this”! It’s more effective than “I can’t do this”, that’s for sure!
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Great mantra and tattoo! My kids would probably say my mantra is “Stop whining and get it done!” 🙂
I would say that it is “Love, Live. Learn.”
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I actually love both of those! I tend to use “Save the drama for your mama”, not as a motivator, but as a reminder not to get drawn into nonsense. 😉
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I have my mantra tattooed as well! It’s “Let nothing disturb you.” It reminds me to breathe – everything will turn out fine.
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Now that is an awesome mantra! I love, love, love it! 🙂
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Wow, exciting! You’re braver than I would be to get a tattoo (I think I’m past the tattoo age), but it looks cool. Its an interesting question to ask ourselves… what word or saying means so much, it becomes your motto for life? Interesting food for thought.
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Brave or senseless…take your pick… 😉
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Ouch! The tattoo is lovely but ouch. I don’t have a mantra. Scriptures come to mind or the words of a an encouraging song. One thing that drives me crazy is having an unintended mantra in my head, like a kid’s song that I used to help someone remember the months of the year. Talk about ouch!
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Oh my, that happened to me the other night. I had some silly little song or commercial snippet stuck in my head, and it kept me awake all night. It was awful…and more painful than the tattoo needle! 😉
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