I’ve been reflecting on this idea of strength lately. Specifically, how the voices around us—especially women’s voices—are completely redefining what it means to be strong. For so long, strength was seen as this rigid, unshakable quality, right? Like, being strong meant powering through, showing no cracks, no vulnerability. But I think we’re finally moving away from that. And honestly, thank goodness, because that old idea of strength? It’s not just outdated—it’s exhausting.

The women who are redefining strength right now? They’re showing us something different. Something more layered, more real. They’re saying strength isn’t about pretending everything’s fine when it’s not. It’s about honesty. It’s about saying, “This is hard, but I’m still here.” And for me, that feels so much more inspiring than any kind of surface-level toughness.

Take someone like Brené Brown. I know a lot of you probably know her work, but if you don’t, she’s this researcher and storyteller who’s made a career out of talking about vulnerability. She argues that being vulnerable isn’t a weakness—it’s actually a source of strength. Think about that for a second. It’s not easy to admit when we’re scared or struggling or unsure. It’s uncomfortable. But when we do, it opens the door for real connection. And that connection? That’s where true strength lies.

If you haven’t seen her TED Talk on vulnerability, it’s a must-watch. It’s one of the most-viewed TED Talks of all time, and for good reason. She’s got this incredible way of breaking down big ideas in a way that just clicks. I’ll link to it here: Brené Brown’s TED Talk: The Power of Vulnerability.

But Brené isn’t the only voice out there shifting the narrative. Think about activists like Tarana Burke, the founder of the #MeToo movement. She’s redefined strength by showing how speaking out—telling your story, demanding accountability—is an act of courage. It’s not about staying silent to protect some false sense of normalcy. It’s about standing up for yourself and others, even when it’s risky, even when it’s hard.

And here’s the thing: these voices aren’t just teaching us about their own strength. They’re giving us permission to see strength in ourselves. Like, it’s OK to struggle. It’s OK to need help. That doesn’t make you less strong—it makes you human. And honestly, isn’t that the point? We’re not robots. We’re complex, messy people. And acknowledging that doesn’t diminish us. It makes us more whole.

I also think about writers and creators who are reshaping what strength looks like in fiction and media. You know, for so long, strong female characters were written as, like, these stoic, almost superhuman types who could handle anything and didn’t need anyone. But now we’re seeing more nuance. Characters who are strong because of their empathy, their ability to adapt, their willingness to ask for help. And I think that shift matters. Because the stories we tell shape the way we see ourselves.

And let’s not forget the everyday voices. The women in our lives who quietly model this kind of strength without fanfare. Maybe it’s the coworker who sets boundaries in a way that makes you rethink your own. Or the friend who’s honest about her mental health and makes you feel less alone in your own struggles. These examples might not make headlines, but they’re just as important. They remind us that strength doesn’t have to look dramatic. It can be quiet, steady, even soft.

I also want to touch on the idea that strength isn’t just about enduring—it’s about thriving, about finding joy. And that’s something a lot of women are showing us now. Like, yes, life is hard, and challenges are inevitable. But strength also means carving out space for joy, for creativity, for love. It’s about refusing to let the hard stuff define you completely. That’s something I try to remind myself when things feel overwhelming. Because being strong doesn’t mean carrying every burden on your own. Sometimes it means choosing to set one down and focus on what really matters.

So, where does that leave us? For me, it’s a reminder to listen to these voices. To pay attention to the women who are redefining strength, whether they’re in the spotlight or right next to us in our lives. They’re showing us a version of strength that’s not about perfection or invincibility. It’s about resilience, compassion, and connection. And the more we embrace that, the stronger we all become.

Let’s talk about something that I think all of us could use a little more of: inner strength. I know, it sounds kind of abstract, like something you read about in motivational quotes. But it’s real, and more importantly, it’s something we all have. The trick is learning how to find it, how to tap into it when life feels heavy, or uncertain, or just plain overwhelming.

So, first off, let’s break it down. What do I mean by “inner strength”? It’s not about being tough all the time or pretending things don’t bother you. It’s more about resilience. It’s that quiet, steady energy that keeps you going, even when everything else feels like it’s falling apart. It’s about believing you can handle whatever comes your way, even if you don’t have all the answers right now.

Now, how do you find it? For a lot of us, the hardest part is just slowing down long enough to notice it. We’re so busy juggling work, family, relationships—just life—that we forget to stop and breathe. But that’s step one. Pause. Create space for yourself to actually feel what’s going on. Because inner strength doesn’t come from running away from your emotions or pretending you don’t have them. It comes from facing them head-on, and saying, “Okay, this is where I am. Now, what can I do about it?”

One of the best tools I’ve found for this is mindfulness. And I know, you’ve probably heard a million people talk about it like it’s a magic cure for everything, but there’s a reason it’s so popular. Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, without judgment. It’s taking time to sit with your thoughts, even the uncomfortable ones, and noticing them without letting them take over. It’s a way of grounding yourself, which can be so powerful when you’re feeling off balance.

Another piece of this puzzle is self-talk. You know that little voice in your head that’s constantly narrating your life? Yeah, that one. It’s time to pay attention to what it’s saying, because, for a lot of us, it’s not always kind. I’m talking about those moments when you mess up and immediately think, “I’m so stupid,” or “I can’t believe I did that.” That kind of inner dialogue can wear you down over time.

So, how do you fix it? Start by noticing when it happens. Catch yourself in the act, and then gently redirect. Instead of “I’m so stupid,” try, “I made a mistake, but that doesn’t define me.” It sounds small, but over time, those shifts add up. It’s about learning to be your own cheerleader, instead of your own worst critic.

Now, let’s talk about challenges, because honestly, that’s where a lot of inner strength comes from—pushing through hard things. And here’s the kicker: you don’t have to wait for life to throw a challenge at you. You can create them. It can be as simple as signing up for a 5K when you’ve never run before, or as big as deciding to change careers or move to a new city. The point is, stepping out of your comfort zone is like a workout for your inner strength. Every time you do something that scares you, or that feels a little too big to handle, you prove to yourself that you’re capable of more than you thought.

And if you’re going through something hard right now—if life is already throwing challenges at you—it helps to focus on what’s within your control. There’s a lot we can’t change, right? But there’s always something we can do, even if it’s just deciding how we respond. When you shift your focus to what you can control, it’s empowering. It reminds you that you’re not helpless, no matter how big the situation feels.

Here’s another thing that’s worth mentioning: your support system. Inner strength doesn’t mean doing it all on your own. In fact, leaning on the people who care about you is one of the strongest things you can do. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or even a therapist, having someone to talk to can make all the difference.

And let’s not forget about taking care of yourself physically, because, believe it or not, your body and mind are connected. When you’re eating well, getting enough sleep, and moving your body regularly, you’re setting yourself up to feel stronger emotionally, too. It doesn’t have to be perfect—you don’t need to start training for a marathon or anything. Just small, consistent habits that make you feel good.

Lastly, I think it’s really important to celebrate your wins, no matter how small they seem. Too often, we focus on what we didn’t do, or what didn’t go right, and we forget to acknowledge the things we did accomplish. But those wins? They’re proof of your strength. They’re reminders that you’re capable of more than you sometimes give yourself credit for.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, or overwhelmed, or like you’re just not strong enough to handle what’s in front of you, take a deep breath. Remind yourself that strength doesn’t mean never struggling—it means not giving up. And you’ve got that in you.

If you want to dive deeper into this topic, I found a great resource that you might find helpful. It’s a guide from Psychology Today about building resilience and inner strength, and it’s full of practical tips you can start using right now. I’ll leave the link here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/resilience.

Alright, that’s it for now. Take care of yourself, and remember—you’re stronger than you think.