Hey Sis,

Every single day, you are presiding over a courtroom. It’s not made of wood and marble, and there are no bailiffs or spectators. It’s the courtroom of your own mind.

In that internal courtroom, you are constantly bombarded with evidence: rumors, self-doubt, social media noise, fear, and strong emotions. And as the judge of your own life, you have to decide what is real, what is useful, and what deserves to be dismissed.

If you want to step into your greatness, you must learn the art of mental objectivity. You have to learn how to separate facts from feelings.

In my nearly ten years as a Magistrate, I have had to make incredibly difficult, high-stakes decisions under immense pressure. In the courtroom, emotions run high. Litigants are angry, frightened, or defensive. Attorneys are aggressive. If I allowed myself to be swayed by the emotional storm in the room, justice would fail.

Instead, I have to rely on what I call my "internal anchor." For me, that anchor is a combination of my faith, my deep respect for the law, and my personal wellness practices—specifically yoga and meditation.

Yes, your candidate for Judge is a certified yoga and meditation teacher! I actually teach stress management and trauma-informed practices to local attorneys through the Memphis Bar Association. Why? Because legal minds are human minds, and we cannot make fair, clear, objective decisions when we are operating in a constant state of fight-or-flight.

Here is how you can "preside" over your own mind with objectivity and calm:

• Cross-Examine Your Thoughts: When a negative thought pops up—like "I'm going to fail this" or *"Nobody likes me"—*treat it like a hostile witness. Ask: Where is the objective evidence for this thought? Is this a proven fact, or is it just an emotional reaction?

• Breathe Before You Rule: When you feel triggered, angry, or overwhelmed, pause. Take three deep, slow belly breaths. This physically calms your nervous system and moves your brain out of survival mode and back into your rational, executive decision-making center.

• Maintain Your Decorum: No matter how chaotic things get around you, protect your inner peace. Your calm is your power. When you remain steady, you control the temperature of the room.

Having a calm, patient, and firm judicial temperament is not just a nice-to-have; it is an absolute necessity for a judge. The citizens of Shelby County deserve a judge who does not rule out of anger, bias, or political pressure, but who stands firmly on the law, the facts, and unwavering integrity.

My nearly decade-long record as a Magistrate proves that I have the temperament, the stamina, and the objectivity to run a fair, highly efficient courtroom. I don’t just talk about fairness; I live it every day on the bench.

Let’s bring that calm, objective, and experienced leadership to General Sessions Civil Court Division 2.

Mentor Tip: When you feel a wave of anxiety or anger today, pause for 60 seconds. Focus entirely on the rise and fall of your chest. Let the emotional storm pass before you make your next move.

Your mind is a sacred space. Protect it, rule it with grace, and walk in your power.

• Early Voting: July 17 – August 1

• Election Day: August 6

• Vote Proven with Purifoy!

• Learn more at voteshayla.com and follow along @Shayla Purifoy.