Dear Woman of Strength

Dear Woman of Strength who is feeling exhausted and depleted and a bit hopeless,

I invite you to drop your mask of perfection and show someone you trust your vulnerability, your humanity, and your beauty hidden underneath that mask. They don’t have to solve your challenges for you. For now, they just have to listen to you and let you be seen. Maybe this trustable someone is a dear friend, or a partner, or a family member, or a therapist or a coach. Make sure you have someone you can reach out to.

You are not alone and you don’t have to always go it alone. We all feel this way at different points in our lives. This too shall pass. You are showing your strength and resourcefulness by reaching out in need. There is no shame in this.

Allow someone to give to you for a change. It’s ok… in fact it’s much better than ok. It’s really good. Let that someone have the opportunity of giving to you. The giving will make them feel helpful and the receiving will make you feel better. You will feel connected to each other. You may not have any new answers right away, but trust that you are on a good path in opening up in this way. You will likely feel a little more energized in the next day or so and a little less hopeless. And that's a move in the right direction.

Here’s some further inspiration for you:

A Strong Woman Versus A Woman of Strength

A strong woman shows her muscle… a woman of strength shows her confidence.

A strong woman isn’t afraid of anything... a woman of strength admits her fears and then models the courage she wants others to carry.

A strong woman won’t let anyone get the best of her… a woman of strength freely gives away the best of what she knows.

A strong woman avoids making mistakes… a woman of strength realizes life’s mistakes are great lessons to learn from.

A strong woman looks forward to showing her prowess on the journey… a woman of strength has faith that while on the journey, she will truly become powerful and wise.

- in Wander Woman: How High-Achieving Women Find Contentment and Direction by Marcia Reynolds, p. 167, no author attributed

Thinking of you with great confidence and love, Milisa

P.S. For further reading/viewing, have a look at Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and connection. To find a coach, see the International Coach Federation's Coach Referral Service. You may also, of course, contact me. 

Photo credit: *Zephyrance - don't wake me up. / Foter.com / CC BY-ND