Do you know what your strengths are? What is your starting point? What do you want to build? Where do you want to go? Are you fueling your strengths with healthful physical practices?
Start with a self-inventory: make a list of your personal resources. It may look something like this--
- good with animals
- enjoy the arts
- honest and responsible
- hardworking
- generous
- kind to others
- good listener
Did you realize that others appreciate these things about you? Have you allowed yourself to feel their appreciation? Do you get accurate reflections of who you are from the people in your life? Do you surround yourself with people who are loving and supportive? Are you nurtured and strengthened by the love of others? Lao Tzu said "Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives you courage." Choose your friends wisely and develop a family of people who love and accept you.Ask yourself how you use your strengths. How do you feel when using your strengths? How were you discouraged from using your strengths in the past? How do you hide your strengths as a result?
In Buddhist philosophy, using your strengths for Right Living on The Noble Eightfold Path ultimately yields good results, namely Enlightenment or Freedom from Suffering. Being strong may mean resisting temptation or making better choices or delaying instant gratification or going with the flow or being flexible and tolerant.
However, choosing to continue to suffer is not a sign of strength. Suffering is not a virtue and you are not obliged to suffer. Check out this video from Brad Yates for more on this topic.
