How do you define strength? What makes you see someone else as strong? Is it that they can bench press a moose? Or is it that they can walk through a personal challenge and come out the other side? Do you see blustering or vulnerability as being stronger? What characteristics inspire others?

Now, put yourself in that person’s shoes if you can. Do you think they see themselves as strong or inspirational? It’s much more likely that they’re just putting one foot in front of the other and trying to get through it. It’s possible that they’re showing up to support others, or because someone is depending on them.

Henry Ward Beecher said

Greatness lies, not in being strong, but in the right using of strength; and strength is not used rightly when it serves only to carry a man above his fellows for his own solitary glory. He is the greatest whose strength carries up the most hearts by the attraction of his own.

What feels like showing up can look like strength. And if that strength inspires others to show up and appear strong, so much the better. The betterment of humans depends on our ability to inspire others to greatness.

You are strong, even when you think you are not. Others will always see it before you do. All you have to do is show up and take the next indicated action.

Think about the times that you have done things, simply because they needed doing, and the people around you told you about how your actions inspired them. It is likely that you were confused, but it is also likely that you felt stronger for some time after that. Why not try it again?

This post is part of a series called Monday Message, based on that day’s reflection from 365 Days to Enlightenment (authorized versions are currently out of print, working on a new edition). Check back next Monday for another one! You can also sign up for the Daily Message on my mailing list if you’d like to receive a new reflection every day. I also often post them to Instagram, if that’s a medium you enjoy.