WHEN YOU CAN'T BE STRONG FOR YOU

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"That which cannot kill us makes us stronger." - Friedrich Nietzsche

My blogging/writing game has been 'off' lately. I apologize. The simple reason for that is that life happened. I had some personal things to deal with and I wouldn't have been able to write as best as I can while dealing with those personal things. Now that it's better, I'm able to see things differently.

I have never been one to run to others in tears when I'm faced with things that seem too much for me to handle. I have always been the strong one. Big sister, mother hen, peacemaker, friend, etc, are some names I have been called at one point or the other.

I had always been the one that others ran to and shared their problems with. They knew that my shoulders would always be there for them to cry on and lean on. They could vent their anger, emotions, and frustrations, and be assured that I will not judge them or tell their secrets.

I was that lady. I believe that I still am her. I always have a kind word for everyone, big or small, irrespective of their age or the issues poured out to me. That was why I was shocked when I was faced with my own issues and I couldn't find the right words to say to myself, or, how to get me to feel better.

That expression, "Ill Doctors need other Doctors" is true though. I, who always had some form of advice or solution for others, was at loss when it got to my turn to be strong for myself. I guess it was life's way of telling me that I may be as strong as I can be, but that I still need others at some point.

And boy did I get the message! Grudgingly at first, but I did. With the help of friends, family, someone whom I have grown to recognize as a mentor, and best of all, God. Their words sounded odd at first as I used to be the one saying those words to others. But, by the time I had relaxed, it all started making sense to me as the recipient of the words, and not as the giver.

This experience taught me that, sometimes, I need to take a step back and give others the opportunity to be there for me. It may be a chance for me to see things, and people, in a perspective that is different from what I had of them. It was HARD for me, but the result is worth it.

One thing that helped me through it was the fact that I didn't lose my attitude of gratitude. I kept being grateful for going through it all. It helped me learn more about myself, others, and life in general.

As you live daily, embrace the times when you are strong for yourself and for others. You don't know how valuable that strength is.

- The Lady

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.”

Psalms 121:1-3