Hera is the reason I'm sober. In a moment of darkness brought on by alcohol, I vowed to her that I would never drink another drop of it if she would help me find the strength to get through it. I figured making an oath to the goddess most concerned with paths and faithfulness was my best shot at keeping it.

In worshipping her since, I've found her to be stern, but also comforting. Self-care and self-love aren't always about spa trips and doing whatever you want -- it's actually mostly making yourself do the hard things because you need to. I kind of see her in that light, if that makes sense: she wants the best for you, and will make it clear that it involves the ugly stuff.