What does "being strong" mean to you? Being strong means being dependable and true to yourself, even in times when it's hard to do so. There's strength in rising to the occasion during exceptional circumstances, and there's also strength in the everyday, day after day.

How did family shape your perception of strength? My family definitely cemented the association I have between strength and dependability and the importance I place on being there for others, because that's a huge part of my family's identity.

What’s one thing someone could do today to make them stronger? I'm a big fan of controlled discomfort and the idea that stretching a little bit outside your comfort zone, many times, adds up. For me, this often looks like learning new activities that make me think, "this is hard."

Janet’s Intentional Act of Kindness

How did you use the $100? I sent the $100 to a close friend. He is a high school teacher whose school year started back in person a couple weeks ago. I hoped the $100 would help cover the cost of classroom supplies he had to buy and wanted for at least some of it to go towards treating himself. I can’t fathom the strength, creativity, and resilience the last year and a half has required of teachers. This school year, my friend has also been super busy with teaching three subjects. I’ve been thinking of him and wanted to show some extra support.

What was the 'Intentional Act of Kindness' process like for you? This process was harder than I expected! It took me a while to decide how to spend the money because I found myself trying and failing to figure out who or what could use it “the most”, or how I could stretch it out to more people. Eventually, I decided to scrap that approach and to just do something kind— I think I’ll take from this experience that it’s more productive to just give than it is to overthink it.