Strength.

Someone once asked me why I was so strong.

I remember I was on a hike with a group. I had thrown a rock at a snake that was blocking our path so that the snake would scurry off.

I remember my thoughts when I was asked that question; however, I don't remember my response. I remember thinking, "Do you have an hour or two so that I can explain to you why I feel like I have to be so strong?" I remember thinking, "Do you have a listening ear and a strong enough spirit to handle why I feel like I have to be so strong?"

Unbinding Strength.

This is the strength that comes when you have to do whatever it takes to protect yourself. I used to think that this strength was fake. I used to hate myself for the level of showmanship that I felt like I had to portray to protect others and myself.

Unbinding Strength.

This is the strength that comes when you no longer have to live in a snow globe. When you no longer have to shake things up to make things look pretty. When you no longer have to shake things up to imagine yourself in a different place.

Unbinding Strength.

This is the strength that comes when you tell a select few the honest truth. When the outer layer of protection is no longer needed, this strength is revealed.

Unbinding Strength.

I will say, I am a completely different woman from when I threw the rock at the snake; however the underlying strength is still there. The surface layer that was there to protect myself and others has been disintegrated and now lays the strength of the woman that I am today.

Unbinding Strength.