An Open Letter to Strong Women
Beautiful, talented, confident, and determined, is what you are.
Dear Strong Woman,
You have fought wars and been through unspeakable anguish with scars for proof, yet you overcome every challenge. You are purposeful and intentional with your actions. Each foot you place on the ground is with reason. You ascend with strength and force, brilliance radiates from you. You feel unstoppable with each spin and jump. There isn’t anything you can’t accomplish.
I realize you’ve traveled a long and winding path to get to this point. And some days, it still feels like an uphill battle. But here’s the thing: you’ve come a long way since day one, and you’ve kept moving forward rather than backward till now — even if taking that next step forward requires all of your power.
People may not realize it, but you’ve been through a lot, given up crucial sleep hours, and even cried yourself to sleep on bad days. But despite everything, you soldiered on. You, on the other hand, persevered in the face of adversity. You’ve always maintained a laser-like focus on your objectives because you know exactly what you want. And, hey, you’re well on your way to making all of your dreams come true — albeit slowly.
You choose to pick yourself up instead of feeling sorry for yourself every time you fall. Isn’t it true that being strong isn’t a choice? You acquire it as a result of circumstances, particularly if you want to improve and flourish. Unfortunately, there are those people who would enjoy seeing you fall. They’re the ones that dismiss your aspirations and make snide remarks about how strong, independent, talented, tenacious, determined, spirited, and confident you are.
It stings when cruel comments are hurled at you. You may even allow them to make you feel inept or unqualified. But, despite the scars and suffering, you always rise above it — because you refuse to be pushed around and knocked down. This is why you have that flicker in your eyes and exude a certain kind of strength. Everyone understands what you’re capable of and that you’re capable of anything.
You don’t exhibit your distress because you’ve been taught that being vulnerable is a sign of weakness, that crying is a defect, and that you must get back up as soon as possible after falling. It’s okay if you can’t, I’m here to tell you. It’s all right. Unlearning these things takes time — you were taught to be someone you aren’t.
Please consider what I’m saying. When you’re upset, strength isn’t about being able to keep back your emotions. It’s not a sign of strength to keep your emotions hidden when they’re too strong. When your soul is aching, strength isn’t about pretending everything is fine. Strength is the polar opposite of weakness. Allowing oneself to feel whatever you need to feel at the time is a sign of strength. When the world expects you to mask your sensitivity, strength is feeling deeply. Finding the fortitude to speak up in a world that has been harsh to you is a sign of strength. No matter how many times you’ve been injured before, strength is letting others in. The ability to admit, “I’m not okay right now,” is a sign of strength. “I require your assistance.”
Just keep in mind that it’s perfectly normal to require assistance. It’s alright to need someone to cry on, someone to listen to you, someone to hold your hand. Someone needs to tell us that we’re not invincible — that we’re not alone.
Never be ashamed of the strength and power you possess.
Instead, keep your head high and your shoulders strong, and most importantly, never stop being your courageous, bright, and beautiful self.
You have the entire world at your disposal.
The future is in your hands.
