D.J. Vanas - The Warrior Within: Own Your Power to Serve, Fight, Protect, and Heal

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 (U.S. Army, ret.), 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 Firekeepers 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.

Assistant Chief Joseph Pfeifer (FDNY, ret.), 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

D.J. 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 D.J. as your terrific guide.

Cheryl Crazy Bull, president and 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 lives. 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 teachings and you will certainly cultivate your warrior within!

Lieutenant Colonel Waldo Waldman (U.S. Air Force, ret.), 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. D.J. helps us view the warrior spirit as a journey, rather than a destination.

Commander John B. Herrington (U.S. Navy, ret.), first Native American astronaut

This book is for readers who want to tap into something deeperthat warrior spirit Vanas so eloquently describesto 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, a warrior of good. A fantastic read! If understanding and applying the warrior spirit were an Olympic sport, D.J. Vanas would win the gold medal!

Ruben Gonzalez, four-time Olympian and author of The Courage to Succeed

Portfolio / Penguin

An imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

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Copyright 2022 by D.J. Vanas

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ISBN 9780593423011 (hardcover)

ISBN 9780593423028 (ebook)

Cover design: Sarah Brody

Cover image: CSA Images / Getty Images

Book design by Alexis Farabaugh, adapted for ebook by Cora Wigen

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This book is dedicated to the Creator who continues to guide and strengthen me...

And to my luminescent, effervescent daughters, Gabrielle and Isabella, who bring so much joy, light, and love into my world. Even in the storms, you both keep finding ways to move forward. You inspire me and youre both warriors in the making. Im blessed beyond words to be your dad and proud of each of you for a million reasons, but most of all because you both have such good hearts... and arent afraid to use them. I love you both with all of mine.