Defining Weakness
Hey, Strongies. We've been dark here at Strong Inside Out for the last week (cyber-wise, not depression-wise) because of my move/pre-international travel chaos, but we're back with a topic that frequently comes up in conversation when I talk "strength.""Weakness" is the ultimate no-no in life. You avoid it at all costs. You suck it up no matter what and find a way to make it happen. You "stay strong" even if it hurts. Even if you hate every second of it.You're either a "weak, complaining, passive worm" or you're a "strong, stoic, passionate go-getter."I don't think it's quite so black and white.I personally think that most of us have the wrong idea about weakness. I think, to be strong in the true sense of the word, is to know exactly what weakness is.Here's what most people think weakness is:
- Crying, complaining, or acknowledging pain at all
- Wanting to quit before a task is over
- Talking about one's problems
- Asking for help
Given those defining aspects of weakness, most of us take "strong" to mean the opposite of those characteristics.I'd like to challenge this definition.I don't believe weakness is keeping silent when you're hurting. I don't believe weakness is quitting when you know the path you're on isn't right. Weakness cannot mean feeling pain, otherwise all of us would be weak as pain is an unavoidable part of our lives.My personal definition of strength is being in touch with oneself, having the courage to acknowledge issues as they arise and taking action to create a solution.Acknowledging pain and struggle takes strength.Recognizing that you may not be able to overcome it on your own takes strength.Reaching out and asking someone for help is one of the bravest things you could ever do because it's ingrained in us from a young age that "strong" people do everything on their own all the time.True strength comes from the actions you take after acknowledging the human condition as it exists in you and those around you. Darkness is part of that human condition, and it will take each and every one of us over at one time or another.To be strong, you must allow yourself to be "weak" sometimes. [tweet]It's normal and quite acceptable in my eyes to feel the darkness looming. Maybe I'm just biased because I've dealt with it my whole life... but it's also what makes me so grateful for all the things that make my world an amazing place to live in.I challenge you to allow this "weakness" to kindle the fire from which you rise into strength. I challenge you not to let others tell you that feeling pain or struggle is a sign of your lack of strength. I challenge you, in fact, to embrace the opposite as your truth.
You are not weak. You are human. And I challenge you to embrace that your "weaknesses" are what teach you to be strong.
I am weak sometimes. And that's what leads me to fight the way I do for the blessings I don't always have. I urge you to join me.Whether you announce it as your new mantra, or write it on a sheet of paper and post it in a high-traffic area of your house, simply declare: "I embrace my weakness and rise from it stronger than ever before."Sing it loud and proud, Strongies, and let "weak" breed your new strong.Stay strong always,Amy