Last semester, I wrote an article that sought out thoughts from my female friends and family about what makes them feel strong. I was so grateful to these women for sharing what makes them feel strong, but I didn’t feel the original was “good enough” to share. I promised I’d revisit this topic and share their words again in a way that felt more meaningful. Below, you’ll find these women’s words and I hope they’ll inspire you to think about what makes you strong!
“Believing in herself. Knowing who she is and what she stands for. Not letting anyone else’s opinions shake her foundation.” – Jessica
“Being able to be comfortable and successful in the role I find important as a woman- being strong yet vulnerable, nurturing, and feminine. As I’ve gotten older, these values have gotten more important for me… And I assume will only become stronger when I am a Mother.” – Britni
“My family makes me feel strong. I know I would not have been able to accomplish all the things I have without their support and encouragement. They are my life’s blood, both figuratively and literally.” – Kristin
“My friends, they lift me up and encourage me. Always supportive and helpful.” – Elizabeth
“Financial independence. Not having to depend or count on anyone else to be able to provide for myself and my children.” – Tara
“having a job, knowing I bring in my own money (although never enough money), the fact that my kids thinks I’m super woman helps me stay strong, and just believing in myself and knowing I’ve been through hell and back but I’m here still going.” – Kelly
“Making another woman feel good about herself.” – Jennifer
“Being a bitch who gets stuff done.” – Jillian
“Normally I don’t really have anything that makes me feel strong. But I feel pretty strong when I wake up, throw up, clean myself up and go to work. Pregnancy is kind of making me connect to my womaness.” – Laura
“Knowing that while I am not perfect, I strive for what is right in my heart and knowledge that I will survive. I have been through hell and back, I trust my faith and Gods good Grace’s.” – Kathy
“My career. Being the youngest licensed architect in my firm at the time I got my license. Being a leader in my firm. Managing one of the largest projects in the office, and one of the largest hospital expansions in the Kansas City metro.” – Ashlee
Finally, I feel I should share that what makes me feel strong is my ability to take risks and try again (as maybe revisiting this topic with a second article has shown). I’ve made mistakes, changed my mind, and have done things that have made people say, “Are you crazy?” but I wouldn’t change any of those moments. I’m happy to say that I tried and took the road less traveled, even if that is a corny thing to say.
For my final thoughts (ala Jerry Springer), I want to emphasize that…
It’s okay not to feel strong all the time or even most of the time.
It’s okay to rely on others for strength when you need to do so.
It’s okay to be vulnerable and scared.
It’s okay for your strength to look and feel differently from others.
It’s okay to read articles that start with, “Strong women do this…”
But it’s even better if you say, “To hell with everyone else, I feel strong because I’m my own person!”