I see it in someone who thinks they are not ready to run a 5K race even though they have been running for months. I see it in those who believe they can't handle a kick boxing class despite being proficient at dance or gymnastics. I also see it in those who think that they are too old, young, tall, thin, fat, skinny, or any other adjective that they believe makes them weak.
My art teacher in grade school once told me that black (Or was it white?) is not a real color but instead is the absence of color. In the same way, weakness is not a real characteristic but is instead a lack of strength. So in this way, I only see strength. Some people have different levels of strength but it's still strength and only strength exists.
The beauty of this philosophy is that since only strength exists, we can focus on keeping it, growing it and nurturing it. To focus on so called weakness is a sure fire way to steer your mind and actions away from anything that will produce more strength for whatever goals you might keep. And so we go forth learning to cultivate strength having abolished the idea of weakness.
To cultivate strength is as simple as to look for actions that make us strong, energetic and more capable. Such examples include a satisfying and healthy diet, a good and consistent night's sleep, and hobbies that are fun, energizing, challenging and engaging. People can also help us cultivate strength by offering counsel and encouragement as well as guidance. It's not hard to know when you come across things that cultivate strength. You feel stronger and more capable instantly when more of these things enter your life.
On the other hand, some things in life can steal your strength. An unbalanced and depriving diet, an exhaustive workout routine, and not enough rest can sap anyone of strength just as a robber can steal your money. Negative and critical people can also steal your strength making you feel less capable and strong. Strength can also slowly seep out of your life if you are not challenged and encouraged to grow. A job, a hobby or a relationship that is too easy and offers no challenge can make anyone bored, tired and steals your strength.
At the end of the day, your ability to accomplish anything from losing weight to being promoted resides on your quality and quantity of strength in both the physical and mental sense. I hope this insight into the myth of weakness encourages you to recognize the simple fact that you have strength, and in fact may have far more than you might know. Even if you might have only a sliver of strength, you still do in fact have it and you can certainly help it grow. Above all though I hope it helps you learn, as I once did, that you are anything but weak.
