Friday, January 15, 2010

Inner Strength - Where does it come from?

This past weekend I spent Friday night at home watching TV (okay... who am I kidding... that's how I usually spend Friday nights... This one was only different because I didn't have my laptop with me on the sofa!!!!). I tuned in to 20/20 and caught the most incredible story of human strength I think I've ever heard. It was the story of a British girl named Katie Piper. She was a model, and a beauty queen with her whole life ahead of her when she was viciously attacked by a boyfriend. Basically after he attacked her, he then coordinated having a stranger attack her by spraying acid on her face as she walked down the street. Her incredible story of recovery can be found here:

After you read her story, I'm sure you'll agree with me... she is an absolutely incredible woman with strength and determination not often seen.

When I hear stories like this, I always wonder how I would fare in a similar situation. I often wonder where people draw the strength from. Is it something all of us are capable of having if we need to? I don't know that it exists in me... I tend to really draw away from any difficult life challenging situations. There are a few examples of this strength that I've witnessed in my life that continue to amaze me. Here's one example:

I have a dear friend who about 3 or 4 years ago, when she was in her early 30's, was diagnosed with cancer. If it had been me, I likely would have curled up on the sofa and let myself be consumed with the illness. But not my friend... she faced the battle head on. When the doctors gave her the option of a big surgery or chemo and radiation, she chose the more invasive surgical route. When they told her after the surgery that the cancer was still there and she'd have to face the treatments as well, she did it. And now, my gorgeous, strong friend is alive and cancer free and has years and years of fun ahead of her.

So, I'm curious... does anyone know where this kind of strength comes from? Do you have stories of strength you'd like to share? I find them so inspiring and always love to hear them.

2 comments:

  1. I think it is deep in all of us and when the time comes we do what we have to. That's what I'm hoping anyways! Great post!

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  2. I believe that the kind of strength you've described comes from purpose. Knowing why you are here and what you want to achieve. I know that for myself my biggest fear is not living to my fullest and fulfilling my purpose of this lifetime. Ain't nothing that I can fight going to stand in my way from me doing just that.
    ~ K @ Big Bold Brand ;)

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