Kristina B.

When I think about what makes me strong, I think of when I felt my lowest, darkest, and weakest.

I did not understand my true strength until I understood and embraced all that made me vulnerable. I grew up being seen as small and delicate. My feelings were easily hurt. I constantly felt the need to prove myself. So then was born my defiance.

The trials and traumas I have suffered in my life should have broken me, but I simply would not accept. When I think about what makes me strong, I think of when I felt my lowest, darkest, and weakest. I think of the times when I wanted life to stop, wished for things to be fair, or waited for a rescue that would not come.

What I discovered was this: My strength lies in my ability to continually persevere through adversity. My strength lies within the gentleness of a passionate, yet fragile, heart. My strength lies in my desire to love, to share love, and to be loved. I am powered by a natural instinct to stand proudly and step purposely. I believe that my strength is to shine and I hope that through the sharing of my strength, that those who are around me will be inspired to shine too.

There is no darkness that cannot be illuminated.