What does strength mean to you?  

Is it being physically strong or something different? 

 

I have a couple distinct thoughts that come to me.

 

One came to me about a dozen years ago. 

 

As I thought about this more, I remembered words that I wrote about this strength as I sat in a room full of women listening to a new way to think about a few things.  

 

One challenge given was to think about how wonderful our body is.  This made me pause in the moment and consider what was said. 

 

Here is what I wrote. 

 

My legs help me run up and down mountains. 

Well, that is succinct.  

True, I do love running mountains. 

 

Is there more? What else?  As soon as I read this note I knew there was more.  

 

As I let my mind wander for a moment, one more thought came back to me.

 

I did not write this piece at the time and yet it is as clear in my mind as the first day I thought it. 

More Than I Thought

How wonderful is my body? More specifically, my quads? I have the strength to do more than I ever thought would be necessary. 

 

My body has made it so I could walk upstairs to get to where I needed at any time on a moment’s notice.  Sometimes in less than a blink of the eye. 

 

I have also walked downstairs with our son loaded on my back after a surgery because it was faster than waiting for a wheelchair. 

It’s four flights, you say.  No problem.  Can you open the first door?  That would be kind and helpful.  Let’s go. 

 

These legs were strong enough to catch our Tall One when sudden medical needs dropped into his world. 

I can catch you, hold on, I have you.  

 

This body of mine.  It has given me strength even when I did not know it could do extraordinary things. 

 

This was said to me once during a race. Julia, get up, you are Dallin’s mom.  You can finish this. 

 

Why yes, that is true, as well.  

 

What a load of gratitude for this physical strength. 

 

Is there more?  I should say so.  

Another Layer

There is another layer of strength I found in this month of thinking.  

 

Reflection can bring layers, like a parfait or an onion. 

 

Strength is also found in quiet moments like seen here on these many marble stairs. This is a place where policy and laws are made. 

A place where my energy flows with people I admire and learn from, always. 

 

I found myself in this space today and found new levels of memories. 27 years of memories. 

 

Activated and rejuvenated. 

 

So many powerful times here with one who has led the way. 

 

Strength can be found in sharing a story, showing others how to tell their important pieces and then … what?  

 

That next important part.  Doing it. 

 

When others have been there, they showed me what to do. 

I have been there, and I now find myself still doing this with others. 

 

Sharing strength?  

If it is possible, then yes.  

Now Quiet Space

There is a story I share in this now quiet space for me. From when it was not silent and a place that was full of energy, a place to deliver letters to share our story with many.  

 

I came to this space this time with a strength I have not felt in many years.  Stepping into the space while looking for ways to support others. 

Physical strength?  Yes. 

 

What else?  Hopeful strength?  Perhaps. 

 

My eyes are open with possibilities. I look up and see the brightness, remembering the echo from decades ago. 

 

Do you hear it in your world? Tell your story. 

 

Strength. 

What does it feel like for you?  

Find others who can show you yours and then share it with others, my friends.