Assessing Inner Strength

The most frequent trait that people ascribe to me is strength. Considering my physical abilities are greatly weaken by a neuromuscular disease I’m tlickled by their over sight. However, that is only if I assess strength by bulk and physical ability and not by its internal nature. Clearly, this must be how I am viewed. It’s not for me to question the beliefs of others only my own. Is inner strength a trait I value, and more importantly is it of service to me? On both accounts the answer would be yes, but to what degree?

Inner strength in my view is like any other trait, it can be learned, it can be honed and it can be destructive. There is little proof of its genetic predisposition but much has been written about conditioning through first hand experiences. From a religious perspective this is further substantiated in the bible as it states, strength grows stronger from weakness. Any of these origins are relevant and a personal choice. I believe this inner layer of strength within us stems from the lessons we've gleaned from our own series of circumstances.

Taking this one step further we could surmise that when we find ourselves in times of weakness, the opportunity to grow stronger internally exists. Chronic and age related illness’ brings forth unexpected and unpredictable levels of weakness; some people describe these periods as “failing or falling down”. It’s our position of inner strength that dictates whether we perceive ourselves as falling backward or forward in life. I can attest to the fact that it is much easier to regain stability from a forward fall. Be that as it may, failing and falls are a part of our life jouney. Looking forward is one way to avoid further falls, but that too is not full proof. One step at a time is a simple model to follow yet, there are days when even simplicity is a heavy burden.