What strength means to me now

Once upon a time, I was an angry kid raised in a violent and abusive world, and I had an absolute disdain for love and affection. That stayed with me for many years, until I was finally able to grow and mature with the help and guidance of others.

I was shown and taught what love could be, and that I didn’t have to suffer in order to be strong. I learned that some of the strongest people in the world are often the ones who show the most compassion and love.

Now, strength to me is being honest and having the courage to be the man I want to be. There is strength in being able to ask for help, in admitting when I’m wrong, and in having the ability to listen when someone cares enough to offer me advice.

Strength is no longer how much I can endure. It is having the courage to grow.