Magic 8-Ball: An ode to anyone who doesn’t feel strong

I feel like I need to offer a massive correction to all of the people, you included, I may have fooled over the years:

I’m not actually all that tough.

I know the resting bitch face (which is very handy in repelling unwanted small talk at the gym or grocery store) may have suggested otherwise. Or the fact that I’m blunt, loud, and opinionated. Or that I very clearly do not suffer fools.

The exterior may look tough, but the inside is plenty soft and sensitive.

And, like most of you, for a long time I thought that sensitivity equated to weakness. I thought the only way to get through hard times was to “tough it out.” Put my head down, plow through my problems, and take no mercy (on myself, most especially).

You may be surprised to hear me say that 2018 was not my favorite year, by a long shot. And while all the gory details don’t need to be put on display (yet—I’m positive it’s a story I’ll tell when I have more hindsight and perspective), I can tell you that, very much against my will, I became a MUCH stronger person this year (stronger, but not necessarily tougher).

Like most lessons you don’t ask for, this one taught me so much about the true nature of strength. And I have a suspicion that you probably need to hear, as much as I did, what real strength is, and what it isn’t.

So, this one goes out to you—especially if you’re under the mistaken impression that you’re weak.

After you’ve listened, come share your take on strength with me in the comments.

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