“Each of the scars, the chipped teeth and broken claws, the mutilated tail—­they ­weren’t the markings of a victim. Oh, no. They ­were the trophies of a survivor. Abraxos was a warrior who’d had all the odds stacked against him and survived. Learned from it. Triumphed.” - Sarah J. Maas

Sometimes we don't remember how much progress we've made or what our goals and feelings were in the past. Our lives are a lot like the ocean in many ways.

If you have ever watched ocean waves from the surface, they might seem mostly similar and a little monotonous in repetitive patterns. They are always impressive to witness and I have a great respect for the ocean in general... But beneath the surface, things are very different.

Each wave stirs up new things and leaves behind a new and unique landscape when it recedes. The waves may look the same but they are actually as unique as a fingerprint each and every time they roll toward the shore - an obvious fact which likely, most people never even give a moment's thought to.

I appreciate the things I have learnt and continue to learn from life, the way I see things, and what I go through - even if they're tough and challenge me in ways which are more than uncomfortable.. They shape who we are. It's not always easy, but in the end, it's always worth it.

After taking a morning to lie in a little as we have had some really bad stormy weather with even schools closed in our region yesterday - I got up, ran a few local errands and then I came to sit down and go through all my various social media. I noticed almost a handful of posts made by people who are generally so positive and uplifting and what I read… was anything but!

It makes me really sad when I see this kind of thing because I understand what happens next, like when a cookie falls apart. And when you notice a rock falling apart, you know something isn't right!

I strongly believe that everything happens just as it's meant to, even if we don't really “get it” right away. Seeing those posts one after the other made me realise that maybe there's a need for more positive voices… not just from me or from around here on Steemit, but from everyone who has the strength to spread positivity wherever they are and however they can.

One big as well as unforgettable lesson I have learned in my life… it is that strong people don't just magically materialise.. They don't just show up out of nowhere or get delivered by some random stork. No, strong people are shaped by their tough times, struggles, and deepest pain.

They have figured out how to deal with life's hard hits, flip them on their heads, turning those challenges into strengths. And because of that you will generally find that they are able to give support, guidance, love, and encouragement to others. But what many people seem to forget is that they… are wounded too - just like everyone else.

Many think strong people are always tough but the reality is… they have their weak moments too - they just don’t show them as often as others. And guess what else? They also need reassurance once in a while. Sure, they might put up a fight like a scene from a karate movie, but that doesn't mean they don't appreciate a hug, kind words, or other uplifting gestures.

Truth be told, strong people might need it more than others because they are normally so busy helping others with their problems and forget to take care of themselves and their own.

They seldom speak to people about what is troubling them or what stresses they are currently dealing with, and the sad and very real truth, is that few (if any) people, will bother to inquire - because... well... people are self-absorbed. True story! Strong people are there for a reason - to help others. To carry the burdens that others cannot bear to handle... "Light workers" as I often refer to them... are always greatly appreciated and frequently sought out for problem solving, but seldom offered the same "relief" in return.

This eventually becomes a really big issue because everyone has a limit to how much they can carry… and for how long.! When it all becomes too much it tends to lead to situations and outcomes which are less than nice. It is always sad to see it happen.

I have mentioned this little “part” of my life in previous posts… Many years ago, I attended a six month psychic development course. The lady which ran the courses ended up being a good friend of mine but at the time she did not know me from a bar of soap. We had an introductory meeting so she could get to know me a little before I started the course.

We sat at her dining room table and began to chat. The one vivid memory I have of this encounter was her bursting into tears as she sat with all my silver rings in her hands. This was a very unsettling moment and I recall asking her ”what was wrong” with the response from her being You are carrying the weight of people’s problems that you have yet to meet.” This was probably one of the most critical statements ever delivered to me – because (short of detail), I knew in that instant how accurate it was.

Simply having the memory of that meeting has afforded me inner strength when I needed it most over the years. We ALL need something to remind us every now and again of our purpose here, just as much as we need the love and support from those around us.

“I am the bended, but not broken. I am the power of the thunderstorm. I am the beauty in the beast. I am the strength in weakness. I am the confidence in the midst of doubt. I am Her!” - Kierra C.T. Banks