Strength in Weakness

"Perhaps I am stronger than I think" - Thomas Merton

              By Dana R. Arevalo

Find strength in weakness.  As I sit here I wholeheartedly admit there are times I feel weak. Words and feelings associated with weakness: flawed, broken, failing, impaired, or fragile.  We are taught, to hide our weakness.  Being weak, however, doesn't make one useless.  It is my goal today to get us to change this negative mindset. It is time we embrace weakness and find strength in weakness.  

Learn from mistakes and failures...no matter how many times it takes. There is no perfect way to do anything.  Do what works for you, even if it means trying over and over one million different ways. Speaking for myself, if I am faced with a difficult challenge, or any task for that matter, I find a system that works for me, myself, and I. What works for one doesn't work for all and vice versa. Failing makes us stronger and mistakes should make us try harder and differently, until WE feel comfortable and at ease. 

Find peace in difference. Being different makes us unique. Learn to be comfortable with who you are; embrace your difference.  Being different is what makes us beautiful people (inside and out). The world could be very cruel and judgemental, it doesn't mean you have to be. Turn your cheek to those who judge. There is no need to change in fear of being different.  Never change for anyone. Be your different beautiful self.

Purge negativity. Negative thoughts actions, and people cause uneasiness, anxiety, worry, and pessimism.  One foolproof way to get rid of a negative idea, practice, or person from your life would be to write out why or how it/they affect your life. If it is a person, you can write a letter to that person all of the reasons why they cause negativity and why you can no longer be a part of their life. You do not neccessarily have to send the letter, it is a positive exercise to let everything out. 

Finally, it is ok to say "NO". Don't compromise yourself for anyone. Don't feel bad when you cannot or do not have the time to help someone or do something extra at work. Many people take advantage of weakness, once you start something it becomes an expectation or a new duty that you do not need.  Remember, find strength in weakness.

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