Let me start by saying I think ALL women are strong women. My love for women will always be compassionately biased. There are so many things I love about how our bodies work, how much power we hold and our influence in this world. History likes to highlight all of the hardships we’ve endured throughout the centuries, but I choose to focus on all of the intricate details God so kindly gifted us with. We are strong women!
Women truly do make the world go ’round. This is one aspect of women that will always fascinate me. Without us, there would literally be no human race. How powerful is that?! Our wombs are the entryway to life. And that isn’t solely physical human life, it’s life in every aspect.
So, let’s talk about what it means to give life.
Strong Women Give Life
Google defines the word “give” as “to freely transfer the possession of (something) to (someone); hand over to.” When I read this, I consider the source of power. It lies in the hands of the giver. The one who possesses what is being sought after.
The word “life” is defined as “the ability to get and use energy, reproduce, grow, and respond to change” (Webster).
Whew! There’s a lot there.
God created us as life-giving vessels. We hand over the ability to get and use energy, reproduce, grow and respond to change. How have you seen this play out in your life? For those with kids, I think this is an obvious example. But let’s think outside of the box…. What projects have you birthed? How have you helped to produce life in someone else? What is something that would not be alive without you? Please take a moment to realize how powerful and transformative you truly are.
Strength Defined
To be strong is to be able to withstand great force or pressure (Google). How would you say you’ve utilized your strength lately?
I imagine that someone reading this might be feeling like I’m not talking to them. But I am friend! Even in the moments when you don’t “feel” strong, you are! Strength is not a feeling, it’s a way of being.
5 Ways Strong Women Develop Their Strength
1. Manage/Learn to manage your emotions
Managing your emotions gives you control. It allows you to create a space of positivity and peace with intention. If you aren’t intentional about managing your emotional well-being, other people and circumstances will do it for you. This will ultimately lead you to destruction. Learn more about managing your emotional well-being here.
2. Breathe
This sounds basic. And really, it is. However, so many of us forget to do it. This principle can be applied in so many areas. It’s a physical act, but affects us in many ways; mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically. Breathing helps us to focus and be present. It affords the opportunity to utilize one of our greatest gifts from God to regulate our bodies and minds; oxygen. In moments of intense pressure and anxiousness, breathing is the ultimate form of strength.
3. Allow yourself to be agile and evolve
It’s okay to change your mind about things. At the end of the day, you have to live with your decisions and all that comes along with them. Don’t allow learned behavior, tradition, or the fear of others’ opinions dictate how you move. Stand in your strength and navigate your life accordingly. Things will not always go as planned, and guess what?? That is okay. Choose to make space for agility and evolution. It is the only way you will stay sane.
4. Respect your boundaries
If you don’t respect your boundaries, no one else will. It sounds pretty obvious, but many women are challenged in this area. I have learned this the hard way. Often times this is connected to people pleasing. We’re so busy satisfying others that we haven’t taken the time to create limits. Friend, I am begging you. Put those parameters in place and DO NOT BUDGE. This will not be easy. Purposeful living is often not. However, every piece of you will be grateful. I guarantee you will have less broken hearts, less disappointments, and you will trust yourself like never before. That’s strength.
5. Do not compare
Your journey is your own and uniquely designed just for you. I’m sure we’ve all had a moment when we look to the left or right, see what others are experiencing, and question our journey. I’d argue that it’s normal for us as humans to do that. The challenge is to not stay in that frame of mind. Sure, have a thought. But let it be just that and forget it. Let it go. Otherwise, you’ll be so focused on what everyone else is doing that your vision will be lost. Find strength in knowing that what God gave you, He only gave to YOU. Be vigorous in going after it!
Strong woman, I love you. You are resilient in all of your ways. No matter what life brings, it will never strip you of your strength. It is built into your being and you were created to thrive.
Go forward in strength!
Love always,
Five ways strong women develop their strength…powerful. Being Ble to set those boundaries is one of the toughest steps; however, I can say…once I did that, my life has been a little less stressful and more balanced. I absolutely trust myself more and I’m able to push through many challenges because I know my worth!!! Love the blog topic and the tips!
Thank you for sharing! I completely agree that setting the boundaries is the hardest step, but absolutely worth it as you’ve beautifully displayed. It’s a muscle that has to continuously be strengthened. Trusting yourself is such a big deal that a lot of us often miss!