As we close out the year, I resolve to be strong and I encourage you to do the same. Just last week someone commented that I was looking very skinny. I think she meant it to be a complement or maybe she was expressing a little bit of concern.  Either way it wasn’t something I wanted to hear.

We often think that skinny is something we should attain, that it is something that you need to be.  For a long time, I thought skinny was good, that it would get me places. The reality is, skinny isn’t anything close to what I want my life to be about.  Now, I’m in a place where I can help others learn what it means to be healthy and strong.

Strong is so much more than skinny. Skinny implies that you’re lacking something.  Obviously, you’re lacking fat and adequate nutrition but skinny might mean that you’re lacking muscle tone, happiness and fulfillment.

Strong is different. Strong implies that you’re adding something to your life, that you’re adding muscle, power, joy and contentment. Strong is something you should strive to be.

My strength comes from my family. I want to be strong for my children and my husband, not only physically but mentally as well. I want to be a mother who shows her children how to overcome adversity; how to make the best of every situation; and how to manage a busy life without letting it manage you. I want to be a wife whose husband is happy to come home every day; I want to be a wife who can also provide a healthy meal on a regular basis. I want to have the strength it takes to be a good wife and mother.  I’m sure your ideal strength takes on a similar identity.

Strength doesn’t always come easy. Finding the strength and power to lead a healthy and strong life takes work. Strength takes time to build. You have to set boundaries for yourself. You have to know when you’re able to do something and when you need to say “no” to requests. It’s discerning what works for you from what’s not going to work for you, and ultimately your family. 

Strength has limits and knowing those limits is what makes you stronger. Know when you need to rest and recuperate. Take time for yourself so you can be the strength you need to be for everyone else.

Fuel your strength by balancing nutrition and exercise; I tell my clients this again and again. The balance will help you build the strength you seek. Ensuring you are fueling your body to be a strong is more important than exercising to be skinny. 

We can all feed off the strength of those around us to help build our own. So, I encourage you to find your strength. Find a healthy balance that works for you, a balance that empowers you. Choose to be strong over skinny.