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

<p>I feel like I need to offer a massive correction to all of the people, you included, I may have fooled over the years:</p> <p>I’m not actually all that tough.</p> <p>I know the resting bitch face (which is <em>very</em> 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.</p> <p>The exterior may look tough, but the inside is plenty soft and sensitive.</p> <p>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).</p> <p>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 <em>against my will</em>, I became a MUCH stronger person this year (stronger, but not necessarily <em>tougher</em>).</p> <p>Like most lessons you don’t ask for, this one taught me <em>so much</em> 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.</p> <p>So, this one goes out to you—especially if you’re under the mistaken impression that you’re weak.</p> <p><a href="http://clarityonfire.com/dont-feel-strong" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">After you’ve listened, come share your take on strength with me in the comments.</a></p> <p>IF YOU LOVE OUR BLOGS, DOWNLOAD OUR EBOOK COLLECTIONS!</p> <p>Each of our eBooks is a collection of about 7 blogs centered around a different theme. If you liked this blog, you might enjoy “Am I doing ‘life’ right? Wisdom, relief, and tough love for getting through difficult times.” It’s a “Life 101” primer for dealing with some of the hardest aspects of being human — from shame