posted November 07, 2006 04:14 PM         

I wonder if you could tell me your take on what Inner Strength really is and how it affects your relationships.

Is is synonymous with self-esteem or is it something else.

Should there be a part of you that is cold and untouchable to protect yourself, or at least somewhere wher you can go when the rain kicks in. Or is Inner Strength a passion and an intensity?

Those who possess Inner Strength seem to be the survivors and winners in life.

Are there ways in which one could increase his Inner Strength or a way to measure it even?

Many here seem to be concerned with getting over past hurts or riding out the emotional turbulence of break-ups.

Anyone got any ideas on this?

posted November 07, 2006 05:02 PM         

great topic!

To me, inner strength is like a secret weapon that you can call upon when everything else seems to be turning to, well, crap!

It's an unseen quality and I believe we all possess it, but half of us don't know and will never seek to find it.

I guess it's also tied into faith and trust that the Universe knows what it's doing. It's about having faith in yoursElf too. Knowing that life is about dualities and trusting that what goes down will eventually come up.

They say what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger!

Inner strength is something way down deep inside. To tap into it, I believe you have to have a good sense of sElf. I'm not talking about self-esteem, but more being in tune with yoursElf and your world. You have to have asked yoursElf the hard questions - and to have left no stone unturned in uncovering the answers.

Not surprisingly then, the quickest route to inner strength is meditation.

posted November 07, 2006 05:40 PM         

I agree that it has to do with truly knowing oneself. I know my flaws and strengths so well I frustrate myself most of the time. Especially cos I know the strengths far far outweigh the flaws, I should be vain and arrogant probably but I'm the complete opposite.

Go figure!

posted November 07, 2006 05:47 PM         

Inner strength gives me patience/tolerance, understanding, determination, courage, and hope. So, in relationships that aren't going so good, I can look way deep inside and pull out the reserves to get me through the bad times.

Or, when a relationship has just finished, I use that inner strength to know that I am right where I need to be. To know and accept that everything happens for a reason.

And, I find it's contagious. Other people tap into my inner strength, and sometimes that helps them through their relationship issues too.

posted November 07, 2006 10:33 PM         

I've been told I have a great deal of inner strength. When push comes to shove, I usually find the resources within to come out ahead. I do feel that it comes from knowing myself very well. I went through a period when I was much younger when I really didn't like myself and I was very unhappy. It took a lot of soul searching and tough internal questions on my part to really figure out who I am. I learned that to avoid becoming depressed and miserable, I had to face issues head on and not try to tuck them under the rug. Afterall, I am the only one who has to face myself in the mirror each morning.

Learning to be honest and true to myself, even when pressed otherwise, has helped me wake up every day and see it as a new beginning. I've learned that it helps me to feel good about my choices and to not have any regrets. Most current romantic relationship excluded

Whether at work or home with my friends, I am seen as the leader. The one who can win any war and solve any problem. Knowing myself and asking myself the tough questions has given me great confidence and inner spirit. I simply KNOW that things will get better...that this too shall pass.