Understand
YOUR OWN STRENGTH
What does being strong mean to you?
I associate being strong with remaining faithful and not wavering, whether that is in a physical, mental, or spiritual aspect. I think being strong also means to recognize fear and not let it have precedence in my life.
-Madeline (Soul 5)
Inspire
OTHERS WITH YOUR STORY
How does family shape your perception of strength?
My bachan (grandma) spent her high school years in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. After her release, she endured more discrimination and worked as a housekeeper for a wealthy white family. Since then, she has built her life up and raised four strong children who all went on to start businesses, become doctors, and go to graduate school. I don't think her kids would be in the same position if they hadn't been raised by such an admirable person who pushed them to value their education- because she was not afforded those same privileges.
-Micheii (Soul 42)
Engage
YOUR COMMUNITY IN AN ‘INTENTIONAL ACT OF KINDNESS’
Ravali’s Intentional Act of Kindness
I donated a bicycle to a girl in India who required transportation for school but lacked the means, which was hindering her education. My mom is part of an international women's group called the Inner Wheel Club. They do service work and raise funds for various causes like schools, orphanages, old age homes, etc.
I asked her if there was anyone who needed money for education, and she mentioned this cause. I wanted to donate to a girl especially to enhance her chances of becoming a strong independent woman.
-Ravali (Soul 61)
Strength has many faces. Strength is pushing yourself to triumph over a seemingly insurmountable task. Conversely, strength is also revealing when you are unable to accomplish something on your own and reaching out for help. Strength is holding tightly to your convictions, while being able to genuinely listen and appreciate others. Strength is saying, "I'm sorry." Strength is advocating for others. It is when we are able to let others see our true selves that we have the most strength.
A collection of words and images, 100 Souls Strong compels women to understand their own strength, inspire others with their story and engage their community in an ‘Intentional Act of Kindness.’ Inspired by the intersection of strength and substance, Kristen Bales began this project in January 2019 and has photographed and given $100 to one woman per month. These photographs illuminate the strength in a young mom who lost her mother to cancer, the strength of a student reapplying after rejection, and the strength of a woman owning her worth to leave a toxic relationship. These stories inspire us to live with love, wisdom and conviction.
Over the course of this 8 year project, Kristen Bales will continue to capture the heart and hope of strong women. So far, 68 women have directly impacted 286 individuals across 8 countries and 16 states through their creative, bold kindness. Through buying gift cards for foster moms, through a hand-written card and home cooked meal, through buying cookies for coworkers, may we cheer one another on with joy. May we see and engage the needs right where we are, help others flourish, and recognize the strength in our own hearts.
