You’re strong, right? You don’t need any help. No matter what comes along, you have “what it takes” to handle it yourself. A terrible accident, the death of someone you love, divorce, loss of a job, financial ruin – whatever – you take it all in your stride. Don’t show your feelings. Don’t confide in anyone because they might think you are weak. Keep a “stiff upper lip” and above all, keep going.
Sound familiar? What happens if you can’t keep going anymore? What happens if:
- You are so angry or so sad that you are unable to cope with day-to-day life?
- Your physical health is suffering and every day you feel like your body is letting you down?
- You don’t know which way to turn, and like a deer caught in the headlights, you are unable to move?
- Life seems so much better through the bottom of a bottle or with the help of drugs?
- You are constantly fighting with your spouse, or you have pulled back from your relationship with your partner?
- There is no joy left in life?
- Death seems like a better option than life?
If any of these have a familiar ring, maybe it’s time to think about what personal strength really means. Inner strength is not about making your way through life all by yourself. It is about falling down and getting back up, and knowing when you need help to do that.You wouldn’t try to climb a mountain without a team of people backing you up; life is the same way. We need others to help us get up the steep slopes and scale the heights.
The good news is that Help is available.