Feeling Fragile

Strength is desireable. We all want to be considered a strong woman. Strength means we can rise to meet life. Strength means we could ‘make it’ with or without a partner. Strength means we can weather the storms and face the critism. Strength means we see obstacles as trampolines. Strength means that at our very core we have what it takes.

Strength doesn’t mean we wont be brought to our knees. I have witnessed the strongest women I know sobb. I have seen the strength it takes to really feel the overwhelming grief, anguish and swirling confusion. I know the courage  it takes to let your knees hit the ground.

Tears

Strength doesn’t make you a robot, immune to powerful emotions. Strength doesn’t ignore reality. Strength isn’t characterised by numbness, agression or denial.

A strong woman understands the power of surrender. Surrender to emotions, to reality. A strong woman knows not to resist the fire; that she will rise from the ashes like a beautiful phoenix. A strong woman knows that to be truly strong she must also be soft. A strong woman is gentle with herself when she feels fragile.

Would you believe me?

If I told you that I was motivated to get healthy, and then kept skipping the gym, would you believe me?

If I told you I was inspired to write, and then didn’t post any blogs for a week, would you believe me?

If I told you I was dedicated to my partner, and then blew off date night for drinks with colleagues, would you believe me?

If I told you I was committed to reducing my debt, and then ran up a new outfit on my credit card, would you believe me?

Why? Why wouldn’t you believe me?

You wouldn’t believe me because my actions (or inaction) belie my intentions. Inspiration; Motivation; Dedication; Commitment are all meaningless and arguably non-existence in the absence of action. Such is the importance of Action.

Action takes inspiration and turns it into a best selling novel. Action takes motivation and turns it into a healthier body. Action turns dedication into a new skill and turns commitment into a healthy relationship.

There is a reason that they say that the journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single step and not the inspiration to travel.

So next time you feel uninspired take a step – the inspiration will follow.