A Side of Strength

"I'm thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn't have found my strength " - Alex Elle

And today we meet again :)

I know it's been quite some time since my last post, but just so you know the kitchen ain't closed, honey! So please rest assured that in my absence I have been cooking up , what I believe to be some very tasty dishes certainly worthy of your sampling.

Since my last serving (post), here is a little taste of what's been going on- I have started a new job, and have just completed my seven week long orientation period!! Boy oh boy am I happy about that, but let me tell you these past seven weeks have NOT been easy. In the midst of navigating a new job, I also managed to land myself in the emergency room three times. Thankfully, today I'm happy to say that I have am doing better, but the past month or so has truly tested my strength both physically and mentally, and thus inspired me to create the cuisine I have provided for you today entitled, A Side of Strength.

Let's face it. Life can be hard, and sometimes we just need a little "pick me up". For many, the typical "go-to" option would include a beverage or snack loaded with the catalyzing chemical of caffeine, but for this dish that I am going to address today, it's going to take much more. It is going to an additional order of strength.

I believe that strength is deeply rooted and stimulated with self-control, self respect, and ultimately self-love. When one is able to understand and grasp the power that they hold within, it is then that their degree of strength is born.

No one lives a perfect life, but everyone has the capability of utilizing strength. It's no secret that each human being to have lived, has experienced their fair share of ups and downs, but what is key is how we chose to react to the disappointing "downs"of life.

As I have stated previously, I have too experiences unexpected struggles in my life such as unsettling health diagnosis, failed relationships, depression, and damaged self-confidence which at one time or another left me feeling vulnerable, confused, let down, and most of all weak.

Maybe I am not alone, and you have found yourself in a similar state of perceived weakness, which has consequently threatened your reality of strength?

Well I am here to reassure you that weakness is just that, a perception. Although we may not always understand why we are in a particular season of our life, and can't seem to shake off the feeling of weakness. This does NOT mean that you are weak. I repeat: this does NOT mean that you are weak. It simply means that you are coming to face to face with your strength. At this point you and I (because I have very much so been here myself) are longing for resolution, a solution, and just a freaking answer. This is good. We are in a state of questioning. Questioning is being proactive, and now it is just a matter of doing something about this perceived, lack of strength. So now the million dollar question is, what to do ?

Here are my two simple "What to dos" that have helped me through my perceived moments of weakness.

Number 1: Understanding God's love

Number 2: Practicing Self-love.

Some of the changes that I have made in the past couple of years, revolving around these points are praying with purpose, writing down my spiritual, physical, and mental goals, and staying true to who I am. In making these basic changes, I have truly seen my life circumstances improve significantly.

Now... I hate to say it, but unfortunately I am not yet super women in the aspect that I can ward off all of life's disappoints, but what I can say is that I am now more prepared to approach adversity with just two powerful tools of prayer and self-love.

Our life orders do not always come out as expected, but that's ok. We just have to accept it, and do something about. Send it back to the kitchen if you have to; order something different, something more substantial. Do not just settle for undesirable circumstances... rise above and make lemonade out of lemons.

I will leave you with one more secret ingredient, and that is to always remember that weakness is a perception not necessarily reality. Stay true to who you are, and most importantly seek strength in the strongest one, God.

Now, go grab yourself a side of strength!

Always Served with love, Dri ♥