Strong is standing with your face to the wind, cutting a path for your existence. Originally having referred to physical strength, to being bold and rigorous, we have come to adapt the term “strength” to an internal strength – a rigor from within. Although people may say strength is derived from vulnerability, true strength lies in being unhindered when you need it most. Being strong isn’t a companion for vulnerability, but rather a byproduct. It is being pushed over and learning to stand your ground, supporting those around you despite your circumstances. For me, strength lies in stability, in grasping control of life and not allowing your circumstances to control you. In the case of grief, strength is regaining possession of yourself when everything is trying to force you to do otherwise. Many times, it’s necessary to put on a strong façade in order to combat and get over your grief. In her book, The Happiness Project, author Gretchen Ruben discusses “faking it ‘til you make it” as a method for achieving happiness. The premise is simple: putting a smile on your face and acting happy when you aren’t feeling well can produce more positive emotions. This technique is…show more content… One day it may become necessary to build your walls up so that you can continue to pursue your own goals. Similarly, you may stumble across someone who is currently in the situation in which you were. Within both of these circumstances, it becomes morally justified to want to move on from your grief, or to want to support another person. Wallowing within yourself doesn’t save you from the repercussions of time, nor does it help reassure and support those you care about. Self-pity accomplishes neither of these two goals, but strength allows you to do both. In accomplishing both of these goals, the grieving can then begin to regain their own identities, and the sense of self-worth they once
