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influence<br />
capable<br />
mastery<br />
Each of us experiencing life in a new way and facing<br />
our own set of obstacles. But we also saw strength<br />
demonstrated in how the community came together,<br />
showing support for one another.<br />
Community is a powerful source of<br />
strength.<br />
Certainly, we all have access to something within us<br />
that can pull us through in the darkest of hours. We<br />
find out what we are made of during these tribulations.<br />
Often it is in the space of nowhere else to go but up,<br />
that we find our power source. When we are tested<br />
and our backs are to the wall, it’s then, we find our<br />
strength.<br />
But sometimes the way out is too much to endure<br />
alone. It’s in these times that we need to ask for help.<br />
And in that, great strength is demonstrated. For too<br />
long we’ve denied the strength and courage it takes<br />
to ask for help. But no longer. We are evolving and<br />
shedding what does not serve us. In other words, we<br />
are learning our lessons. We are becoming stronger<br />
through authentic, transparent conversation and<br />
choosing the path that gets us results. In accepting<br />
help, we find our strength.<br />
On our own we are capable, but<br />
together we are so much stronger.<br />
The work starts with us. It takes a commitment to put<br />
yourself out there and feel the resistance. It’s musclebuilding<br />
- emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical.<br />
It asks us to expand, to be willing to embrace the<br />
process, to release the fear, or at least move in spite<br />
of it. Sometimes we find our strength at unexpected<br />
moments, but most of the time it comes with decision<br />
and determination.<br />
Commit to building strength.<br />
Make yourself a priority. You can not give what you<br />
don’t have. If you want to be there for others, if you<br />
want to be generous, you have to be plentiful. Taking<br />
time, actually prioritizing your time, so that you are<br />
building yourself up and strengthening your resilience<br />
is essential.<br />
We have a responsibility to one another. We also must<br />
be mindful that we have to love and respect ourselves.<br />
It all comes down to love. What we love and cherish,<br />
we protect and nurture. Love is the reason and the way.<br />
Stacie Anderson, Owner of Empowering Conversations LLC<br />
& <strong>Siouxland</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>. Certified John Maxwell Speaker,<br />
Trainer & Coach.<br />
Photo Credit Photography by KJ<br />
Physical strength: The ability to apply force<br />
or resistance during a given task. To lift, move,<br />
carry, or pull objects without hurting yourself.<br />
Mental strength: To be able to focus over<br />
an extended period of time, through highs<br />
and lows, good and bad. To value your own<br />
opinions and respect those of others and<br />
formulating your own conclusions to questions<br />
based upon the ability and commitment to<br />
continued education and learning of the self.<br />
Emotional strength: The ability to embrace<br />
a wide array of feelings and emotions and to<br />
transition from one response to another with<br />
full awareness, comfort, and confidence to<br />
allow yourself to feel and express them.<br />
Spiritual strength: Is one’s commitment to<br />
personal values and virtues and the commitment<br />
to displaying them on a day-to-day basis. These<br />
virtues should be in the best interest of the self<br />
and of others. Respecting your own beliefs and<br />
accepting the beliefs of others.<br />
Justin Thomas Miller