What does "being strong" mean to you? Everyone has to be strong in different ways at different times. Maybe physically during a health scare or mentally during difficult life situations. Emotionally when everything feels wrong or productively when we are seeking passion for something in our lives. So strength to me simply means to keep going. To keep fighting. To keep surviving. To keep hoping. To keep trying. To keep enduring. Keep going.
What keeps you strong in times of trial? My family. They are my ultimate priority above myself and I know that even if I am facing trials or struggles there is nothing I wouldn’t do to keep them safe and loved. Providing for them means keeping myself safe and strong in order to best support them in growing into confident, kind, and thoughtful humans.
Who is a female role model in your life and why? My one year old daughter. Even before she was born she came with determination and drive. In the little time she has been here she has embodied what it means to try even if you fail, to seek even when you know you can’t achieve it yet, to be joyful even in uncertainty. Her confidence is unwavering and her love is limitless. I hope to one day be more like her.
How do you encourage other women to be strong? I love sharing, communicating, and collaborating. I believe we build strength by learning through each other; whether that be our mistakes or our successes. Being vulnerable and accepting of who we are and how we’ve grown can help others do the same without judgement. Strength doesn’t have to be singular, but built through community, vulnerability, and shared desire for growth.
When has your strength been personally challenged and how did you respond? After a recent health diagnosis I have had to do a lot of self reflection. During this incredibly scary time I had to turn around and ask myself how I have made my family’s life better and if I feel like I am confident in their ability to be successful and joyful even without my support. I also had to ask myself if I was happy and how I would move forward in being intentional about using my time and energy. Being strong during this time meant allowing myself to self-advocate when I knew I could no longer be the person I was before.
Tess’s Intentional Act of Kindness
How did you use the $100? Provided $25 food gift cards to those who lost benefits during the government shut down and matched the donation to be able to support additional families. Sometimes trials come at us in unexpected ways and we have to rely on the kindness of others. This can be incredibly humbling, terrifying, and fortifying. I wanted to do something I knew people needed immediately that’s would alleviate just a little bit of pressure.
What was the 'Intentional Act of Kindness' process like for you? It made me rethink the opportunities and support I have been given. Sometimes I take what I have for granted and forget that the world moves around outside of my little life. I appreciated the opportunity to widen my vision and remember that small opportunities can have big impacts.