Amanda S.

I am a strong woman. 

And the parts of me that make me a strong woman are not the parts of me that are tough, hard, and steely. 

Instead, it’s the parts of me that are soft, sensitive, and emotional. 

The parts of me that aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, to show my emotions and face judgment.

The parts of me that have been hurt, time and time again, and have continued to carry on with an open heart.

The parts of me that are fragile and insecure.

What defines my strength is not a lack of fear, but an acknowledgment of it and a choice to embrace it.

What defines my strength is not a cold stoicism, but an emotional warmth and deep passion for life.

What defines my strength is not a total independence, but a willingness to seek and accept support from others.

Therein lies the heart of my strength – my choices of love, community, and gratitude.

I choose to both accept my faults and commit to self-improvement.

I choose to both accept love and give love.

I choose to both uplift and empower those around me, while also prioritizing self-care.

And I choose to not let my pain define me, but to help guide and educate me.

I am grateful for those who have come before me to blaze trails and break glass ceilings.

I am grateful for both the good and bad decisions of my past that have led me to my present.

And I am grateful for the future and the unknown roads that lie ahead.

These are the traits that make me a strong woman.