When an unfamiliar face takes a look at me, their initial reaction is definitely not going to be - Look at that girl, she's super strong. Appearance wise, I do not fall in the "strong" category. Most people would say I appear to be happy, outgoing, pleasant and maybe even poised. This might have to do with the fact that physically, I don't have the body of a body builder and am not a poster child for a fitness center. I am not necessarily the most toned individual, and I am not in and out of the gym multiple times a day. Although I do work out, and watch my fitness, it is not a defining factor in my everyday life. To the individual's that are only able to see me in this light, you are wrong. I am strong.

I may not physically be the strongest, but in my past 21 years on this earth I have been through a lot. I have experience two decades of life and successfully survived my teenage years. Not only have I dealt with the loss of loved ones, but I have experienced certain harsh realities. I have also grown apart from friends, and watched friendships dwindle away into nothing. Stress has been a common reoccurrence in my life, and I have experienced the difficulties that lie within the unexpected. All of these negative things that have come and gone out of my life have had a major impact on me.

These things have allowed me to become a strong individual. I have persevered through so much, with the intention of continuing on. Mentally, I have learned how to fight my own battles and fill my brain with positive emotions. I have become strong enough to continue fighting, not only for myself, but also for those around. I have become strong enough to stare into my future's soul and exclaim, "I can handle whatever it is you choose to throw at me!"

So no, I won't have a weight lifting contest with you, but if you need me to pick you up and help you see the positive in the world, I will be there for you. I will be strong enough to hold my shoulder up when you need to lean on it and cry, and strong enough to hold my head up when it just wants to be down.

Everybody shows strength in different ways. I encourage you to find where your strength comes from and let it shine. Help those who cannot find and recognize their own. Be strong for yourself, and strong for your world.