Strength

What exactly is strength? Something that pushes you to go the extra mile, drives you to be more than you already are? Stand tall in the face of a disaster or be the bigger person? Or somebody holding your hand, telling you you’ll prevail.

Strength to most of means our drive. Can be physical or emotional or spiritual. I asked my friends what gave them strength, just to compile relevant information to write this. Most of them said their strength came from other people, their parents, spouse/partner, friends, even kids. That can’t be true for all of us. Since one persons strength can be another’s weakness. Love for example is a weakness for some, idea of being dependent and vulnerable while for someone else, love is motivation encouragement and support.

For me, strength comes from within. Most of you might disagree but I believe my strength comes from my own mind. It’s a mental state of being. Sure, words of encouragement and support from people can fuel it but I’m the one that creates it with my experiences and learning from mistakes.

That which does not kill us makes us stronger.

-Fredrick Nietzsche

I think strength comes when you have weakness to tear you down. Like a knight in shining armour it shows itself when you need it the most. We usually only focus on the half empty side of the glass by focusing on the problems we face, we never stop to appreciate how much we learn from it.

I’ve always said that I don’t regrets anything in my life. It got me where I am, and though sometimes I feel it could be better, but isn’t there always a chance that it could be worse as well? So, where I am is good. And that takes strength, to be able to accept. Because I’ve learned that I can survive anything and everything I thought I couldn’t. No matter if I have somebody to hold my hand through it, or I end up doing it alone. I shall preserve.  Knowing this is what gives me strength. This is my drive. Christopher Paolini said “Without fear there can be no courage.” I say that without weakness there can be no strength.

Strength is a single parent.

Strength is unrequited love.

Strength is fighting a deadly disease.

Standing up for your rights.

Strength is your family and friends.

Strength is being bullied and going back everyday.

Strength is determination to do something.

Everything you do takes strength. It’s deeply woven in the fabric of our lives. We show strength every single day. How brave does that make it all? Did you ever think about it? This is like a spiritual question. It varies for everybody. But it’s important to know yours. So I invite you to think and share with me;

What does it mean to you? what is your strength?

This post is part of a collaboration for 12 bloggers. I’m lucky enough to be a part of this. Please check out what my friends have to say about strength.

Tajwar Fatma https://lifeaswehaveneverknownit.wordpress.com/

Ipuna Black https://ipunablack.com/

Jane Love http://www.harmoniousjoy.com/

Jothish Joseph https://jothishjoseph.wordpress.com/

Barb Caffrey https://elfyverse.wordpress.com/

Addison D’Marko https://addisondmarko.com/

Nicolle K https://storiesofahsi.wordpress.com/

Ajibola Sunday https://ajibolasunday.wordpress.com/

Sonyo Estavillo https://lilpickmeup.com/

Mylene Orillo https://myleneorillo.com/

Camilla Motte http://www.momsonthego.com/

Love,

Manal