Tag: strength

Building Strength–One Adversity At A Time

by Mershon Niesner

There are uses to adversity, and they don’t reveal themselves until tested. Whether it’s serious illness, financial hardship, or the simple constraint of parents who speak limited English, difficulty can tap unexpected strengths. Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States

I believe the growth spurts of my life have been when adversity has reared its ugly head. At times, the testing tapped into unexpected or latent strengths, as Justice Sotomayor suggests, and, at others, adversity created a Me who was stronger than before.

When I go to the gym, my exertion on the muscle building machines tears down my muscle so that, when it repairs itself, it is bigger and stronger. I believe this is what happens when life brings us challenges. We are temporarily torn only to grow again, stronger than ever.

Affirmation: I am strong.

Coaching questions: In what ways have you been tested? In what ways has the testing changed you?

You’re A Princess Too

by Mershon Niesner

Always know that in every girl there is a princess with the strength of a warrior. Unknown 

It’s National Princess Day…who knew? I’m encouraging each of you to celebrate the Princess inside you. Perhaps you shine because you give the gift of humor and laughter. Maybe you show your royal nature by doing acts of kindness or you’re a bold, confident, warrior princess modeling what it’s like to take on a challenge and succeed.

Princesses aren’t just about beauty, pretty dresses and finding a Prince. They are strong,  smart and confident. Whatever type of Princess you are, step into your light and shine. 

Affirmation: I am a Princess.

Coaching questions: How will you show up as a Princess today? What are your royal gifts? 

IMG_2647.jpg

Developing Strength and Resilience

by Mershon Niesner

My barn having burned to the ground, I can now see the moon. Japanese Haiku

I used this Haiku for one of my first blogs in March when we were still recovering from Hurricane Irma. We had lost so many trees in the mangroves next to our property that a water view emerged where there was none before. Now, more than a year after disaster struck, we are whole again—actually better than before the hurricane as everything that was replaced is to hurricane standards. 

As I look back over my life, I can see how I’ve recovered from the storms and, as a result, become stronger and more resilient. I’m better prepared than ever for what is next.

Affirmation: I am strong and resilient.

Coaching question: In what way have you grown through the “burning barns” of your life?

IMG_0931 (1).jpgThe mangroves off of Barfield Bay

Put Your Worries On Pause

by Mershon Niesner

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength. Corrie ten Boom, Dutch watchmaker and Christian who helped many Jews escape the Nazi Holocaust. Subject of the book and movie, The Hiding Place. 

According to Robert Leahy, PhD, director of The American Institute for Cognitive Therapy, “When we don’t know how something will work out, we worry in order to get certainty.” And yet, studies have found that 85% of things people fretted about had neutral or positive outcomes. 

To calm your anxiety, throw yourself into something you can control or accomplish like laundry or calls to friends or pulling weeds. You’ll feel good in the present due to your accomplishment and, in the meantime, you will have put your worries on pause.

Affirmation: The outcome will be positive.

Coaching questions: If you have an immediate worry, what can you do to push the pause button? Think back to some of the circumstances you’ve worried about in the past. What were the actual outcomes?

Being Strong

by Mershon Niesner

Being strong is only partly physical; it’s also mental, emotional, spiritual, and social. Maggie Fazeli Zard, RKC, senior fitness editor for Experience Life magazine.

This summer I’m focusing my workout program on strength training. My goal is to be physically stronger. However, I totally agree with Zard. Being strong is only partially about increasing how many pounds I can lift.

Even if I’m strong in aspects beyond physical doesn’t mean I’m bulletproof or failure resistant. It just means I move forward in all aspects of my life knowing I’m strong enough for the attempt. There is no “try” in my vocabulary….Tom, my strength coach, doesn’t let me use the word. I either will or I won’t. I know I’m strong enough to accept failure, adversity, or defeat as well as victory.

Affirmation: I am strong.

Coaching question: In what area do you need to build your strength? What step will you take to do this? How will it make a difference in your well-being?