What does"being strong" mean to you? To me, "being strong" is being tough when life gets tough and it comes in three ways:
1. It's about facing problems with bravery and never giving up, even when things seem really hard. Being strong doesn't mean you can't cry or feel tired; it's okay to have those feelings. To me, its important to understand that crying and feeling weary are not signs of weakness but rather reminders of our shared humanity. And so, amidst tears and tiredness, true strength is about bouncing back after tough times, even when you feel like giving up.
2. It's about believing in yourself and finding the courage to keep going, no matter what. It means having the courage to face our fears, doubts, and tough times. When we're feeling lost or unsure, strength is like a small light of hope that helps us keep moving forward, even in the darkest times. And when we push on, we only become stronger.
3. Strength isn't just about avoiding tough situations or simply enduring them. It's about meeting challenges head-on, facing them with courage, and finding ways to turn them into opportunities for growth. Instead of just enduring hardships, true strength involves actively engaging with them, learning from them, and using them as stepping stones toward a brighter future. It's about seeing obstacles as chances to learn, adapt, and become stronger versions of ourselves. By confronting struggles directly and embracing the lessons they offer, we not only overcome them but also emerge from them stronger and more resilient than before.
How does family shape your perception of strength? My mum has been a constant source of inspiration and strength in my life. Having lived with her most of my life, she's really shaped my perception of strength. Despite facing numerous challenges, she has always remained resilient and determined. I've admired her ability to see beyond immediate problems and navigate through tough situations with grace. One incident that stands out is when our home was invaded by armed robbers. While my dad and I were in shock, she remained calm and spoke words of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of resilience and focusing on the future rather than dwelling on the past. Her unwavering positivity and ability to persevere through adversity have not only influenced my perception of strength, but also shaped my whole family's perception of strength. I've learned from her example that strength isn't just about enduring hardships but also about facing them head-on with courage and optimism. She has taught me that true strength lies in being able to rise above challenges and remain hopeful even in the face of adversity. Because of her, as a family, we've come to a point where we keep pushing on despite the negativities in our surroundings.
What keeps you strong in times of trial? In times of trial, my faith serves as my anchor, providing the strength I need to persevere. Believing in a higher power beyond my control, I turn to prayer for inner strength and guidance. When I first moved to the United States in 2017, facing cultural shock and loneliness, it was my faith that sustained me. Despite moments of doubt and wanting to return home, I held onto my belief that God would see me through. Through prayer and reliance on Him, I emerged from that challenging period even stronger. Today, as I navigate new challenges such as motherhood, entrepreneurship, and pursuing an MBA, my faith continues to sustain me. I attribute my resilience and ability to overcome obstacles to the grace of God, who has been my constant source of strength and support.
How have your trials made you stronger? I would say I have faced two major trials in my life that have enriched my character, fostering personal development and determination while emphasizing the importance of seeking support. They have equipped me with the strength and confidence needed to face future challenges with grace and inner resilience.
Firstly, my move to the US presented diverse challenges. Navigating a different culture and overcoming various hurdles have taught me the importance of speaking up for myself. This assertiveness has become a fundamental aspect of my character enabling me to succeed not only in US but amongst the international community.
Secondly, starting an MBA came with challenges ranging from new motherhood to facing immigration complications that cost me job opportunities. My experience here really helped me learn the importance of reaching out to others for support. To me, it highlighted the strength found in vulnerability and the power of community. I've really come to understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather a demonstration of resilience and self-awareness.
Both experiences have been incredibly transformative, and today, I am able to say I am much stronger and a better person than I was many years ago.
What advice would you give to the next generation of strong women? I have three advice I would like to share:
1. Embrace your differences: Reflecting on my experiences navigating different cultures and overcoming challenges, I encourage the next generation of strong women to embrace their differences. Our unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences are sources of strength and resilience. However, be open minded and willing to learn new things. There is nothing wrong unlearning certain things or values you already hold on to and learning new things that shapes you in a better way.
2. Seek support: Drawing from my journey of seeking help during challenging times, I urge young women to prioritize building supportive networks and seeking assistance when needed. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and empower you, and don't hesitate to lean on them for support. Remember, strength is found in vulnerability and the bonds we share with others. We sometimes fall in the myth of we can do it alone, but i believe we can move faster if we have a community of supporters cheering us on.
3. Build your faith: Reflecting on the belief in a higher power beyond our physical abilities, I encourage the next generation to build their faith. Whether through spirituality, religion, or personal beliefs, cultivating faith provides a source of hope, guidance, and strength during difficult times. Trust in the presence of a supernatural power that supports and sustains us, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. I personally believe in the grace of God and its played a major role especially in areas where other humans have failed.
Debbie’s Intentional Act of Kindness
How did you use the $100? I used the $100 to bless two people who have been a great source of inspiration and have impacted my life positively - Grace and Pearl. I split the $100 equally and used it to buy gifts that they needed to honor them on their birthdays. I decided on this because I felt both had to be honored for the hard work they do and I wanted to purchase something that they needed. Grace has an NGO called Lift Ghana that focuses on uplifting one another to thrive in life, and be good agents of socialization at home and change agents in all spheres of life. Since she has given her life to many others, I believed that blessing her in this way was worth it.
Pearl on the other hand has always placed herself in a position to help others. Months before I gave birth, she came to stay with me and has since been there supporting me in managing my baby while I also school.
What was the 'Intentional Act of Kindness' process like for you? I believe the process made me very thoughtful in thinking about who I wanted to be a blessing to. The word "intentional" pushed me into making sure that my kindness was not in vain. I am actually happy about his and I believe moving forward in my life I will really be intentional about my kind acts. I'm really grateful for such an opportunity.