Your Strength IS Your Weakness

 Your strength IS your weakness. You have probably heard that before. For me, showing weakness was always something that  I avoided. It could stem back to childhood and hearing, "what will the neighbors think?" And, Dad would say, "I don't care whose job it is, just do it and get it done." Boy, has that gotten me in trouble over the years. A boss of mine, thought I was trying to get her job. Instead, I was following instructions that I got from Dad and trying to make her job easier.

There is nothing like a physical challenge to force introspection. As I deal with Lyme and various co-infections, I am choosing to listen to my body and do what it tells me. It is a challenge and I realize how much I have been expected to be tough, strong, handle many things at once, put out "fires", help people cope...and the list goes on. Many days I am lucky to get up and shower. Those microbes mean business and the remedies I'm taking leave me exhausted. However, I am learning many lesson that I intend to carry forward even after I have recovered.

So, here are a few of my strengths. Many of them WILL be going away. 

• I am RESPONSIBLE (since birth)

• I am a hard worker

• I can do many things well - at the same time
  

• I am optimistic and trusting

• 
  I am the Nike ad - "Just do it" (Wood elemental personality)

• I can motivate the sluggest of slugs

• I am strong and can single-handily take my JawSaw and clear the woods, making paths for snowshoeing and filling the basement with kindling 

• I can shovel the entire driveway when the plow can't make it. (think football field and my husband was also snow blowing) 

 

Take some time to list your strengths. Many, I'm sure, are still serving you. Others, you may want to consider changing, eliminating or redefining. 

 

For example, I will always be responsible but right now I am only responsible for myself, and my healing. I am finding a greater sense of balance and redefining priorities. My lesson is to let other's learn their lessons on their own. Life is challenging and when we stumble, we get to pick ourselves up and learn.