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What Strength Really Means

Every time I hear the word strength, a flood of meanings comes to mind. The first is usually physical strength—muscles, endurance, resilience. But after that, the real fun begins.

Recently, while completing my HSA certificate, I took the VIA Strengths Survey and discovered my top five strengths: honesty, spirituality, fairness, humility, and perspective. Even though most of them didn’t surprise me at all, I admit that it was eye-opening. These qualities reflect a deeper kind of strength—one rooted in values and character.

Strength can also mean emotional toughness: being stoic, resilient, and unwavering in the face of adversity. But it’s more than just enduring hardship—it’s about how we respond to it.

I’ve always loved oak trees. Autumn is my favorite season, and the way their leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow and red never fails to stun me. But it’s not just fall that draws me to them. In spring, when their leaves return in vibrant green, they offer shade and serenity. Oaks are strong, yes—but they’re also noble, steady, and generous.

I’ve often thought of myself as a little oak—strong not just in body, but in spirit. A source of shelter and comfort for those who need it. A safe space. But a few years ago, when my strength was truly tested, I realized something deeper: my strength wasn’t just in my ability to stand tall, but in the kind of wood I was made of—the quiet nobility, the capacity to bend without breaking.

Strength isn’t about never falling. It’s about falling and getting back up. It’s about feeling pain and still choosing compassion. It’s about being vulnerable and still choosing kindness. That, to me, is the highest form of strength.

We all face moments when it would be easier to lash out, to justify harshness because of our own suffering. But when you meet someone who’s going through hardship and still chooses to be kind—pause. Appreciate them. Rest in their shade. Because that kind of strength is rare, and it’s the kind that truly will make your world better.

Do you know your strengths?

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Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 28, 2025 at 6:07 AM

    Monica you speak to my soul. I'm on a quest to truly live in my strength. I appreciate your shelter, my friend.

    ReplyDelete

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