What does "being strong" mean to you? To me, "being strong" means standing up for your beliefs, for yourself, and for other people. It means finding a way to do things that challenge you, and using these challenges as opportunities to grow. It means being able to face trials and adversity in your life without losing sight of who you are or what you stand for, and lending your strength to others in times of need.
What keeps you strong in times of trial? My family keeps me strong in times of trial, and they have helped me to define my character and my perception of strength. They are my inspiration and my support system, and they help to ground me so I know that even in times of trial, I can always find my way back to myself.
How have your trials made you stronger? My trials have made me stronger by helping me to understand that I can and will get through any future challenges that I may face. These trials have taught me how to manage and handle stress, grief and other forms of pain. Whether it is by facing these challenges head on, finding mindful activities or exercises for myself, or learning how to connect with other people that can support me, I have learned something new each time. My trials have also helped me to hold onto a certain level of optimism, or a certainty that even in times of hardship, I will find a way to get through it. My trials and experiences have helped me to develop my own strength and become the person that I am today.
How can you be strong and vulnerable? It takes a lot of courage in order to be vulnerable, but there is strength in the willingness to open up, seek support, and acknowledge our own limitations—allowing us to connect more deeply with others and grow through shared understanding.
What’s one thing someone could do today to make them stronger? Opening yourself up to new experiences or ideas, and finding ways to get out of your comfort zone.
Nicole’s Intentional Act of Kindness
How did you use the $100? I used the $100 to purchase nutritious food and first aid/hygiene projects for a community kitchen in my neighborhood. I decided to use the $100 in this way because I felt closely tied to the community in my neighborhood, and I wanted to have a direct impact on those around me. I walk by this community kitchen almost every day, and couldn’t help but notice the dynamics of the shared lunches, which help to provide both free lunch and a shared space to foster community. I had talked to one of the organizers of the community lunch previously and we had discussed certain items that they were frequently asked for or running low on, so I decided to focus the $100 on paying for those items.
What was the 'Intentional Act of Kindness' process like for you? The process was a good reminder to keep my eyes open to the needs of those around me, and stay actively mindful in searching for other ways to give back. In addition, the strengths portion of the form provided a valuable opportunity for self-reflection and awareness.