Strong: We all have different ideas and mental pictures of the meaning of this word. Some may associate it with huge body builders with bulging veins and skin shining with sweat. Others may think of a person close to them fighting through their last chemotherapy treatment to beat cancer. When I think of the word "strong," I picture my kick-ass athletic friends, my mother as she puts up with my sister and me throughout the day, and the people in my life bearing hardships who make it through the day with a smile on their face.
The ability to lift hundreds of pounds worth of weights would be great and all, and I'm sure I'd be in a lot better shape if I for one could do so, but I think there's something to be said about the ability to endure one's emotions and tackle all that life throws your way.
Move on! Don't waste time dwelling on the past and sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. Every day is a brand new day and it's up to you to be present in the now.
Keep control. You are in control of what you let impact your mind. Don't give away the inner powers you have.
Embrace change. Every day is brand new and things are constantly in transition. When life throws a curveball at you, don't back away and belittle yourself. Stand up to the universe and say, "try me!". No one can control this life, our best bet is to ride the waves of change instead of resisting the current.
Stay happy! OK, I know this one doesn't seem fair or realistic, but I swear you can. Like I said, you are in control of what you let have power of you. Don't give way to the negative! It strives for destruction! Don't waste your time and energy on things you can't control. And don't complain!
Be kind. Everyone you know is battling something you know nothing about. Be kind to all, listen when you should, and speak only from your heart.
Be willing to take deliberate risks. It's important and sometimes very necessary to weigh the positives and negatives before taking spontaneous action. Consider the benefits and the risks in your decisions in order to keep your intentions clean cut. Although life isn't about living in fear of what others think of you, it's crucial to be empathetic.
Invest your energy on the now. BE HERE NOW! Enjoy the present, for this moment is right now and will never happen again. Don't waste time on the past, it's long gone anyway.
Accept responsibility. Own up to your mistakes, and take pride in your success. The past is set in stone, there's no way to avoid it, but being capable of owning your past and not letting it impact your current self makes you one untouchable person.
Celebrate others. Our lives are only as good as the people we fill it with. Never hold back on celebrating others. The achievements of others aren't going to make your success any better or worse, be happy for others.
Be open to failure. Every failure is a blessing, a lesson, and a chance to improve. Don't give up.
Be lonely sometimes. Take time for yourself and ENJOY IT! Sometimes there is nothing more beautiful than embracing the world on your own. There's plenty of time to spend with others, so take time to be with yourself.
Work and succeed at your own merits. The world doesn't owe you anything. Don't expect anything- go out and get it.
Perseverance. Have a staying power. Don't expect immediate results.
Evaluate your core beliefs. Know what matters to you and what you want to shed from your life. Live a life full of this and be open to evaluating your morals as needed.
Invest your energy wisely. Don't spend too much time thinking about negative or unproductive thoughts.
Think productively. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones, or you won't go very far.
Tolerate discomfort. The best way to describe this is to accept your feelings without being controlled by them.
Reflect on your progress. From your darkest of times to lightest, it's important to recognize your ability to bounce back and keep moving forward. Take time every day to consider your achievements and the direction you're going.
You have a reckless mind, messy soul, and a heavy heart, and it's beautiful the way you carry yourself.
Embrace it.
