People always ask me, “How are you so strong?”

Before I allow myself to get angry and lose control, I just smile, shrug, say thanks and walk away.

How am I so strong?

The truth is: my strength is not explained by how? It is by why?

I don’t know how I became strong. Maybe I was just born this way, maybe all of the pain I’ve had to endure is to blame or maybe the strength came from enduring so much loss in my life- I have no bloody idea how- but I do know why.

Why am I so strong?

This question is so easily answered but is so complex to understand.

The reason why I’m so strong is because I have been so weak.

I am strong for others, so they don’t have to be.

I’m strong for myself because no one was ever strong for me.

I’m strong for everyone, so they don’t have to feel the way I feel- alone and tired.

I’m strong for the world, so I don't have to reveal my fears.

I’m strong because I have the will to rise above my obstacles.

I’m strong because I’ve been to hell and back.

I’m strong because too many people depend on me.

I’m strong for them because if no one shows them what strong is, they will never have the strength to defend themselves.

I’m strong because I simply have to be.

When you’re strong, there is no time to sit around feeling sorry for yourself.

There is no time to be vulnerable.

There is only time to build and grow.

There is only time for everyone else.

Like they say, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”