Strength That Needs No Approval

There is a moment when you know.

Not because others told you,

but because everything in you has settled down.

When you are sure of what you do

and what you are,

confidence is born that does not depend on others’ words.

Praise does not feed it.

Criticism does not break it.

For as many people, so many views —

and none is your truth.

Do not look for yourself in comments.

Do not measure your worth by others’ understanding.

You are not how someone sees you,

but what remains when all looks withdraw.

The world has changed.

It no longer protects us —

it has stripped us bare

and given us a choice to survive

by becoming what we need.

Strength is not the absence of feelings.

Strength is the ability to feel

and remain standing.

So, sensitive souls,

do not give up your softness —

make it solid.

Do not extinguish your heart —

learn to carry it.

True strength seeks no approval.

It stands.

Silent.

And it knows.

--------------------------------------------------

Originally published on Medium.