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There Is Strength in Weakness

Alter the illusion

By Ambi AmbitionPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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Imagine an ice sculpture of a swan. Each curve, each detailed carving in the wings, the beak, the arch of the neck, every aspect formed to realistic perfection. But behind the awe of it, there is fragility in beauty and this seemingly flawless masterpiece isn’t without defect. Its weakness is the very thing that makes it beautiful, the fact that it’s made of something so easily broken.

Our weaknesses are like ice, a glasslike frailty we have to live with, but if we construct them properly, they create a foundation we can balance on. If we analyze and redesign our perspective of it, any weakness can be transformed into a strength.

What are your barriers?

I’ll be honest with you, I have more weaknesses than I can count. For example, I overthink everything, so much to the point I second guess myself. That person just complimented my shoes. Yeah, I have pretty cool shoes. But do they actually like my shoes? I think they were just being nice. Why did I even wear these shoes today? Why did I buy these stupid shoes?But no one even said they’re stupid… why do you think they’re stupid? Great, now everyone’s looking at my shoes. I need to put a paper bag over my head, or these shoes. I’m very outgoing in one on one interactions or in small groups but once you throw me in a crowd, I’m the quietest one in the room. Only so many people can handle your quirky personalty at a time, you’re too awkward and not that funny anyway. I care too much, and because of that I get myself into some situations I’d rather not be in. Why doesn’t my brain ever win the coin toss between listening to your head and following your heart? The list goes on but every single one has the same thing in common. They all act as a barrier.

Where are your blindspots?

As there are things we see in ourselves, there are aspects of us others see that we don’t realize we have. It’s like when someone notices the crinkle in your nose when you giggle or how your left knee twitches when you’re anxious but these things are so second nature, you don’t even notice they’re happening, but they’re obvious to those around us. Keep an open mind and seek perspective. You could unintentionally be that person who writes off others emotions or can be too demanding. Yeah, you kind of have that my way or the highway attitude. How’s that working for you? Understanding how your weaknesses affect those around you increases your self awareness. Sometimes our loved ones know us better than we know ourselves.

Flip the script.

Weakness and strength are two opposing forces. Think of the Chinese philosophy of the yin yang where complimentary opposites exist within a greater whole. As there is light in darkness, there is strength in weakness. I’m an over thinker, and yes that can lead to some negative thought patterns, but if I convert the negatives into positives, over thinking helps me see the finer details in everything and enhances my problem solving skills. Not being the loudest person in the room takes the stress of entertaining people off my shoulders, I can observe and listen to my surroundings and decipher between those who project good vibes and those who don’t. That dude’s lying to get attention, no thank you. That girl just asked if the person who tripped on their own shoe lace is okay instead of laughing, that’s really cool. Caring too much for others could mean me being a few dollars short or end up having a sleepless night, but that frustrating sacrifice could be the one thing that encouraged someone to keep going. Suddenly, it’s not so bad. What’s your opposing force?

Check them off like a to-do list.

People are capable of change. I cannot stress that enough. We are constantly growing and evolving into better versions of ourselves. But maintaining a mindset that’s too prideful, one that tells you to hide your flaws to avoid judgement and failure, that’s not going to get you far. But if they knew this about me, what would they think? Let that go. Does the ice sculpture lay shattered on the ground because that’s what’s expected of it? No. It stands tall and exists anyway. So should you. It’s the wrong movement inflicted by an outside force that would cause the ice to break. Don’t let the outside world break you. The things you want to hide, those are the things you want to improve, so work on them each and every day.

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About the Creator

Ambi Ambition

Advice, motivation, and ambition with a side of poetry to guide you through love and life.

Follow my movement on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram #ambiambition

10% of tips will be donated to Mental Health America (:

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