Strength is not the absence of vulnerability
Or the undying ability to keep going
Or the absence of fear
Or the absence of failure
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Strength is not the absence of tears
Or the external veneer of control
Or pushing beyond your threshold
Or hiding behind ‘no’ emotions
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Strength is not hard words and arrogance
Or the illusion of stability in the storm
Or the absolute control of the narrative
Or the inability to deal with pain
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Strength is not hardness of heart
Or the refusal to own your mess
Or hard headedness
Or stubbornness
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Strength is not foolishly holding onto things
Or refusing to change because of fear
Or grasping at things that have failed
Or refusing to change because no one else wants to
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Strength is choosing the path that matches you
Going the way that is designed for you
Trusting the process laid out for you
Knowing the prize and going for it
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Strength is turning away when it is time
Even when others don’t think it is
Finding your voice after years of silence
Speaking your truth as needed
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Strength is knowing you don’t have to travel with everyone
And being okay to leave those refusing to change
It is knowing when the time is right
Then taking the leap in that new direction
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Strength is knowing your calling and pursuing it
Standing up after a trip and fall
Owing the things you have done daily
Rising every morning to try again
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Strength is holding on as instructed
Believing when others doubt
Knowing the word spoken to and over you
Never losing sight of your goal
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Strength is being true to yourself no matter what
Choosing your health and growth over others
Knowing your worth no matter what
Walking in your truth all the days of your life
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Strength is built over time
Made stronger with every choice
Renewed every morning
Celebrated every night
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Be strong and of good courage
Be strong and courageous
Be strong and very courageous
Be strong and of good courage
