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The Empowering word of the month for November 2022 is Strength.  

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Strength is defined as the capacity of an object or substance to withstand great force or pressure, and the quality or state of being physically strong.  How we perceive the meaning of the definition, usually determines how we handle every situation in life.  I think that some of us misinterpret the meaning of what strength really is.  Some people think that strength has to do with how strong you are and that part is true, however, it is the circumstances in which you are strong is what really helps to define what strength is.  Some people also think that the more you punish someone (physically, mentally, or emotionally) and the longer the person being punished is able to withstand the punishment that means the person is strong.   However, it takes strength to remove yourself from a toxic environment, especially if you are fearful of leaving. 

 

Some people really have a misconception of what strength is.  Some people might view you as a weak person if you seek help in times of trouble.  However, it takes strength to push past your pride, ego, and embarrassment to find the strength that you need to get the help you need.  Some people also believe that if you cry, you are showing a sign of weakness.  However, it takes strength to be open to being vulnerable enough to show and express your emotions. 

 

There are still some people who are fearful of showing someone that they love them or care about them,  because their viewpoint of expressions of love shows signs of weakness.  However, it takes strength to develop the courage to withstand being rejected if the feelings are not mutual.  It takes strength to move beyond guarding your heart to being open to loving someone as well as receiving loved.   Nevertheless, even in our brokenness, if we are still alive, we can be resilient enough to find our strength.  Finding your strength has nothing to do with being arrogant, narcissistic, nonchalant, daring, aggressive, nor how much you can accomplish on your own.

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Strength is being able to say, I need you, I love you, and I want you without worrying about how the person on the receiving end is going to feel about you.  Strength is loving, forgiving, and living. Strength is moving onward, even when you want to give up on life...on love...and on you.   Strength is being able to show your areas of weakness and viewing those areas as opportunities for improvement. 

 

The longer you live, life experiences will help you develop your strength, if you learn how to really define what strength is and what it isn't.  Sometimes, you have to fight for your strength, meaning, press on.  Fighting for what you want in life is not a sign of weakness.  It takes strength to be able to continue to fight against obstacles in an effort to overcome them.   

 

I encourage you to Redefine the word, strength.  Find your strength in the most vulnerable areas of your life.  Think about what it is that is preventing you from finding your strength, so that you are able to do what it is that you want to do with your life.  Transform those areas of weakness into opportunities for growth and development of strength.  If you think that you cannot handle the situation, ask yourself, "Why?"  If you think that you cannot handle what it takes to develop your strength, ask yourself, "Why not?  Remember, Strength is not about how much you can lift, it is about how much you can carry without falling.  And, even if you fall, Strength is also about getting back up again and refusing to stay where you fell.

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By Lynnette Clement