I'm what I'd consider to be a strong woman.  When I've dealt with personal issues and come out on top of them, people say, "I don't know how you overcame that!"  When I've cared for dying loved ones, people have told me, "I could never do that!  How can you be so strong?"  Well, I've been reading a couple of interesting blog entries recently dealing with the question of what makes a 'strong' woman.  I'd say it depends on what a person's definition of strong is.  Mine is about facing things head-on, dealing with them, and moving on.  You do what you have to do.  No sniveling and whimpering and complaining.  You grow up.  You grow up!

Actually, as I'm sitting here pondering this, looking back over my life, I can't remember ever being weak.  From as far back as I can remember people have leaned on me, depended on me, for a lot.  And I think I've always been there for them, steady.  Steadfast.  Grounded.  Dependable.  Is that part of my inborn character?  I dunno.  There have been different times when I've resented a lot of the pressure put on me to 'perform' but I honestly can't see myself being any other way.  I am who I am.  I'm a realist and I'm practical.  I cut to the chase.  I don't fill anyone up with false hopes and empty promises.  You come to me for my honest opinion, you get my honest opinion.  I'll do my best to fulfill any promise made to you, but I don't suffer fools gladly.  And I don't have much patience or use for weak people.  Or whiners.  Or complainers.  Deal with it, you know?

Strength is a funny thing...hard to describe.  There are those, as far as women go, who think strength comes in 'attitude'...in brassiness and pushiness and in a "I'll step on you before you ever get a chance to step on me!" chip on the shoulder.  Me...I prefer quiet strength.  Strength of character and a sense of self from within.  Strength of faith and believing there has to be some good in just about everyone and everything.  Wisdom that comes from experience.  Not needing to be the center of attention but exuding an inner peace that people around you notice.  Contentment.  Security.  Loved ones know...they know...they're loved by you deeply and completely.  They can count on you.  They know you tell them the truth.  There is nothing false, nothing pretentious, about you. 

Am I that woman?  Well, I think I am.  Because as I'm sitting here thinking about strength I'm looking within and this is what I see in myself.   These are my qualities.  I have never set the world on fire by being me.  I never will set the world on fire.   But I am a woman and I am strong.