Siouxland Magazine - Volume 3 Issue 2

alance
Inside and out.
Climb the Mountain.
“She/He Is Strong.”
By Erin Bahrenfuss
When you hear this phrase, what comes to
mind? Do you think of a shredded, weightlifter? Do
you think of a cancer survivor? Do you think of a single
parent who is showing up for his/her children, pursuing
a career, and also fulfilling personal commitments?
What about the parent who lost a child and finds a way
to heal? Do you think about them?
I sure do. I think about all of them. In each of these
scenarios, strength is a factor. Strength encompasses
areas in our overall well-being. It describes physical,
emotional, spiritual, and mental attributes.
For this example, consider me. Upon first glance, you’d
say I’m strong because I am active, muscular, and
embody a healthy lifestyle. You would be correct. I am
strong physically.
If you dove a little deeper and had a conversation
with me, you would learn I own my own business,
intentionally choose healthy daily habits, and am in
fearless pursuit of a mission to grow individuals into the
best version of themselves. With these facts, you would
say I have a strong mindset and you would be correct. I
am strong mentally.
If we got to know each other on a deeper level, experienced
a significant amount of time together, or empathized about
a similar fire we each walked through, I’m sure you would
agree that despite lofty barriers, I am a survivor. You would
say I am emotionally strong and you would be correct again.
I am strong emotionally.
Knowing these truths would help you to see that I am a
strong spiritual believer. My faith and relationship with my
Heavenly Father are the driving forces in all I do. My purpose
to provide health and hope is the backbone of who I am.
You see, strength is such a multifaceted word. It’s a word
often reduced to physical strength but it is more than that.
Strength is an inner grit and discipline to do the hard and
heart work to break through barriers and embrace obstacles.
It means identifying areas of weakness and pursuing the
tools, people, or programs necessary to improve. Strength is
the ability to move forward after a setback.
We grow stronger by showing up every day and keeping the
promises we make to ourselves.
Strong people have weak moments.
Just because I am strong doesn’t mean I am perfect. In fact,
sometimes, I feel weak…and that is quite alright. You can be