Inner Strength
We all search in different ways to find inner strength dealing with everyday complexities and overwhelming difficult situations in life. Our inner strength is often challenged from our interactions with people, events and experiences in our lives. So, what does inner strength mean? It is that space within us that is a guide in making the best choices for ourselves no matter the circumstances faced. The ingredients that help us find inner-strength I believe are; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self -control. These nine valuable ingredients are free and already exist in us. At times we can lose sight of them when other thoughts move in to influence our emotions, behaviour and our self-identity. Some of these can be resentment, fear, anger, self-doubt, loneliness and self-hatred. These thoughts can place us in an empty, dark, chaotic, and confusing space where who we really are gets lost.
Staying in the space that separates us from connecting with our inner strength will not only negatively influence the people we become but also impact those around us. Starting with love we will briefly discuss the nine ingredients that will make a difference in how we understand and treat ourselves whilst managing difficult situations that come our way. Self-love is not about being self centered or self-absorbed. It is about being unashamed of who we are, don’t picture yourself as smaller than everyone else. Treat yourself in the way you would treat something you treasure. In doing this we actively need to take care of ourselves as we would those we love. This will mean the love and respect we give others will not be poured out from an empty cup.
I found reflecting on Joy interesting as an ingredient to build inner- strength. I simply understand it as having a positive disposition towards life. If we are inclined to see a negative in most experiences, things and people, that could potentially open ourselves up to a more depressive anxious take on life. When we are facing difficult situations without joy it is difficult to see positive components in other areas of our lives that can become beneficial tools which can help sustain us through difficult times. Peace and gentleness are terms I know well as my late grandmother used them often, when I would share an issue, I had grave concerns about. She encouraged me to find a physical and an emotional space where I could have some time to find my inner peace. Her point was my issue was not going to be resolved coming from a state of chaos and confusion.
The next three ingredients are kindness, goodness and faithfulness. They can be summed up in two words, belief and respect. Self-respect challenges the status quo of our self-doubt and the perceptions of poor self-worth that convince us we are unable to find our way. We can exercise these ingredients by taking the time to practice mindfulness, exercise, eat well and have a positive, supportive network of friends. Faithfulness is having a positive self-belief in the foundation you have built that supports the values and beliefs that produces your healthy responses to difficult situations.
The last two ingredients are gentleness and self-control. There are many situations we will find ourselves in that are mostly out of our control to fix. What is in our control is how we respond in the situation. We are the managers of our emotions and thoughts, they do not have to control our choices. Last but not least is gentleness. This is being tender and kind to oneself. Allow time to rest physically and emotionally. When overwhelmed in a distressing circumstance stepping back and taking care of yourself is of much importance. You are worth all the time you need. Take some time to reflect on these ingredients that can help us trust and connect more to our inner strength that guides and provides us with the ability to manage situations we can often feel overwhelmed by. In time I hope to write a post on each ingredient separately and how they can positively impact on our lives in more depth.