I have a friend who thinks that I have a very strong personality. In fact, most people think I have a strong personality. The reason I believe this is the case is because I have a very defined idea of who I am and what I want. There are very few people I open up to in a big way and even fewer people that I consider to be close friends. It's not surprising to me that as people begin to get to know me, I can come across as abrasive due to an uncommonly blunt honesty. It's a quality that can take others by surprise and is something that is valued in my friendships over the long term.

This sort of strong personality stems from a profound standard of morality that I hold myself to. It's a set of beliefs that I live my life by that define my friendships and interactions with others. Sometimes it can upset people, but more often than not I find myself surprised when it's genuinely appreciated. I think there's something to be said about finding that individually and strength in oneself. As a person, it can come from all sorts of places.

For me, it came from learning to admit my mistakes and wrongdoings, as well as feeling a freedom to speak openly with others when sharing opinions and observations. People are afraid to admit they've made a mistake, but to do so is to be human. To admit it is, to be honest. To correct it, is to be moral. I aimed not to be the antithesis of this and it's worked out pretty well so far.

The other aspect of this is having strong friendships. For me, my brother has always and will always be my best friend and for a long time, he was something I aspired to be. Then when I left home, I had the job of finding these small groups of people who accept and grow as a result of one another. People who build each other up with encouragement and care. The trick is finding these groups of individuals you enjoy spending time with. Other strong people, you can immerse yourself in conversation with while maintaining your own identity. These are the people that help build and maintain the foundation of who you become.

Though once you have a set of beliefs to be close-minded about there will always be days when they're tested. Pressures in your day to day life that will try to manipulate or change the way you think in a negative way. It's during these days that we need to have courage and faith enough in our own ideas to say no and mean it.

That doesn't mean that we close ourselves off from listening or taking in new thoughts and ideas and it doesn't mean that we take ourselves so seriously. It means that we take our beliefs seriously, but not at the expense of missing out on the fun and enjoyment that comes our way.