Women of Strength

The company you keep has a direct bearing upon the kind of person you are. If you choose to surround yourself with people of a critical nature you not only will feel inadequate yourself, but become too quick to find fault in others as well.  There are some people who enjoy complaining about anything and everything. Boy, do they bring me down. I find that gratitude and love requires less energy than constantly finding something to moan about.

I've been fortunate enough to find many women of strength to influence me, laugh with me, lift me when I cannot carry myself, share their joys and sorrows with me, and inspire me to be a better human being.

My aunt sent me this poem several years ago and said that I was a woman of strength in her life. I'm flattered that she believes that. For my own part, I can only say that the words in this poem are what I aspire to be some day.

A Strong Woman versus A Woman of Strength

A strong woman works out every day

to keep her body in shape, 

but a woman of strength looks deep inside

to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything,

but a woman of strength shows courage

in the midst of her fear.

A strong woman won't let anyone

get the best of her,

but a woman of strength gives the best

of herself to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes

and avoids the same in the future,

but a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes

can also be blessings and capitalizes on them.

A strong woman walks sure footedly,

but a woman of strength knows

when to ask for help.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face,

but a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith 

that she is strong enough for the journey,

but a woman of strength has faith

that it is in the journey that she will become strong.

Blessings!
Linda