I grew up knowing I was strong.
My mother, her sisters, my grandmother, all of them were strong women both physically and mentally. Known for their broad shoulders and muscular legs, they are the pillars of our family.
When I’d run to my mother with a complaint, her reply was often, “Work it out for yourself.”
The message was clear: Be strong. Take care of it yourself.
When the adults in my life proved unreliable, I became fiercely independent, refusing to ask for help, even when it was needed.
At 10 years old I suffered with a painful ear infection for weeks while I was staying with my aunt and uncle (a nurse and a doctor!) but I didn’t say a word. I was too afraid to be a burden.
“Strong is good. Weak is bad.” This was crystal clear.
But what is weak? And what is strong, for that matter?
Weak and strong are judgements, thoughts of comparison. They don’t exist objectively.
Sure, we might agree that a person is strong if they can lift 150 pounds, and weak if they cannot rise from their bed, but these statements aren’t facts.
Most of us take on the idea that being strong is the goal. Any sign of weakness must be banished or hidden.
“Weakness is a crime — don’t be a criminal!” – Bernarr Macfadden
Not only is this untrue, it’s incredibly unhelpful, especially in your business.
The pressure to “be the strong expert” can make you shrink into hiding or project a fake persona that leaves you feeling like an imposter.
But there is immense power in just being REAL, no matter how that presents.
Forget about “being vulnerable.” Just be honest. Be you.
Authenticity is magnetic because everyone craves permission to be themselves.
And being you feels amazing. 💖
It’s not uncomfortable feelings that cause suffering; it’s the resistance to them. When you stop judging your experience as right or wrong, you relax. Real connection begins.
This month in the IMPACT membership, we’re diving into this truth in our upcoming workshop:
Tap the Power of Your Message and Share it Fearlessly!
Through playful exercises and weekly challenges, you’ll unlock the heart of your message from the gift of being yourself.
📅 Join us live on Wednesday April 9th at 2pm EDT.
Become an IMPACT member and get instant access to this workshop, plus past courses, online community support, masterminds and more.
https://www.theawakenedbusiness.com/impactinvite/
Yours in love and play,
Steph
