To me, our society has a completely backwards idea of what “strength” really is. Society seems to suggest that strength is stoicism, a detachment from genuine emotions. Being unscathed.
I think the opposite is true. I believe that real, authentic strength is actually vulnerability. We can’t choose what happens, but when we can find the vulnerability to be open to it all, to be present and lean into the experience of life, be it pain or joy; THAT is what strength looks like to me. Strength is not detaching from what scares or hurts us in order to be unscathed, I think it’s the opposite of that. It’s opening up to the vulnerability of authentic experience and genuine feelings. It’s softly surrendering to the circumstances and connecting with what that brings. It’s breathing into the now, staying rooted in the present moment no matter how painful it is. I find being present helps the emotions flow without taking over, and when I can have my breath be my beacon, it carries me through the pain and I can stay present. The feelings wash over like waves, they can come, I don’t fear them. They are secondary to the experience of now. Life and love and pain and changing aspects of your identity, it can all be scary, but surviving shows you can be gutted and carry on finding golden moments of joy through it all. It deepens the trust that every moment is temporary, making every moment valuable. It is a badass super power to be here now experiencing it all. Not everyone gets the privilege of being alive, so even when it rips us open, it’s one I’m so deeply grateful to have.

To me, our society has a completely backwards idea of what “strength” really is. Society seems to suggest that strength is stoicism, a detachment from genuine emotions. Being unscathed.
I think the opposite is true. I believe that real, authentic strength is actually vulnerability. We can’t choose what happens, but when we can find the vulnerability to be open to it all, to be present and lean into the experience of life, be it pain or joy; THAT is what strength looks like to me. Strength is not detaching from what scares or hurts us in order to be unscathed, I think it’s the opposite of that. It’s opening up to the vulnerability of authentic experience and genuine feelings. It’s softly surrendering to the circumstances and connecting with what that brings. It’s breathing into the now, staying rooted in the present moment no matter how painful it is. I find being present helps the emotions flow without taking over, and when I can have my breath be my beacon, it carries me through the pain and I can stay present. The feelings wash over like waves, they can come, I don’t fear them. They are secondary to the experience of now. Life and love and pain and changing aspects of your identity, it can all be scary, but surviving shows you can be gutted and carry on finding golden moments of joy through it all. It deepens the trust that every moment is temporary, making every moment valuable. It is a badass super power to be here now experiencing it all. Not everyone gets the privilege of being alive, so even when it rips us open, it’s one I’m so deeply grateful to have.

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