“The true measure of strength is the measure of love in difficulty”

These words are profound. They are sent to remind me what true strength and power is: not a denial of emotion, not the use of force or money to overcome, just love.

In a world dominated by ego-related concepts of power and strength it is easy to feel weak in the face of life’s challenges, but when our measure, our ruler if you like, is the extent of our ability to retain love in our heart and thoughts in the face of difficult circumstances or people, we can begin to see a different view of the world and how it could be if we learn to keep our ego in check, in balance with other aspects of our being, mind, body and soul.

“You mean I am strong, not weak, for feeling these things, for forgiving those who have hurt me and still sending them love?!”

It is not a call to accept inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour but to see it for what it is, someone else’s mistaken belief of what is best for them. Sometimes it will mean distancing ourselves from people or situations but with love and forgiveness in our heart. Sadly I have had cause to do this with one or two people and I remain grateful for their contribution to my life in the past and in one case I remain loving and pray for them, but I have chosen to distance myself from them whilst they feel their treatment of me is acceptable.

I find it hard at times as I just want everyone to get on and to be happy together, but in reality not everyone is ready for such things. It all starts within and I cannot change anyone else – frankly, it is none of my business. So all I can do is send them love and wish them well, from the bottom of my heart, and I do.

So, this is true strength. I am so pleased: it feels so much better than those macho concepts that have never inspired or impressed me, that seem so brutal, even animal like, by comparison. To find one's true strength therefore is to fulfil oneself and find that loving kindness and compassion within us all when we are open to it.