About Strength

The perception of strength seems to greatly vary among people.

Some adopt the 'Catholic' approach--which basically means that by denying yourself certain pleasures, you are stronger. Others believe that their strength is measured by the reaction of others to them; whether it be humility, fear, love, laughter, etc...

I have personally taken on a view that might be described as certain theories of the Dali Lama as interpreted by Willy Wonka (of the original Chocolate factory fame). This is an attempt to describe those beliefs:

Strength is the ability to maintain happiness, fulfillment, and content, while simultaneously having a positive impact on my environment. I feel strong when I manage to refrain from being reactive, and allow my emotions, beliefs, and actions to emanate from within my core. When I can smile, see beauty, and maintain calm despite a seemingly difficult or stressful situation around me, then I feel strong, energized, and unstoppable.

Strength for me is being able to make it all come together and work out, rather then giving up on those things that pose challenge and leaving them behind. Success is never guaranteed; I have had failures and expect more. I will accept failures as I do successes--a capture of a moment, as within a moment all may change.

When we lead an interesting and exciting life, we have little control over which situations we find ourselves facing. So when deciding between being 'strong' by denying myself certain things I want in order to maintain focus and order in my life, or embracing these things that may present new challenges and perhaps some risk, while possibly extending my abilities and increasing my happiness--I choose the latter.

And sometimes strength means the ability to question those very beliefs, and appreciate, respect and accept the beliefs of others, even if they only confirm your own.