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You can't quite define it, but you know it when you see it: inner strength. It's the rock solid presence of someone who knows who he is. It's the unassuming posture of a person who is comfortable with himself and, therefore, comfortable with others. If you ask his opinion, he's not afraid to tell you what he thinks because he believes in himself. But how does one go about developing inner strength?

"Pay no attention to what the critics say; no statue has ever been erected to a critic."
~ Jean Sibelius

While critics serve a valuable function, that of challenging one's ideas, ultimately the person with inner strength decides whether the critic has made valid points, and reacts accordingly. The integrity of the person with inner strength is what guides him in his decision-making, not the whims of critics and fashions of the day.

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear." ~Ambrose Redmoon

Inner strength is cultivated by confronting fear when the situation warrants it. For example, let's say you have a terrible fear of public speaking. However, you've also overcome a personal tragedy and have been asked to share your experience with a group of people who are dealing with a similar issue. It would be easier to decline the speaking engagement than to deal with your phobia, yet you realize that many people could benefit from what you have to say. You muster up the courage to offer your insights to the group, knowing that helping them is more important than suffering the butterflies in your stomach caused by your fear of public speaking.

"As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
~Marianne Williamson

Stories of men and women who rose above their fears and apprehension, often to help others, inspire us. They make us believe that this kind of heroism is available to us as well, should we ever find ourselves in a difficult situation. Think of Paul Heinreid's character, Victor Laslo, in the movie, "Casablanca." Whenever he appears on screen, he inspires confidence that his anti-Nazi underground movement will eventually overcome the Germans. Liberation from fear is the first step toward true liberation.

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

The person with inner strength strives to blaze his own trail. He listens to the small voice within. He examines situations and responds appropriately. He doesn't do it for glory, praise or renown; he does it because it's an expression of who he is.

You are an individual unlike any other has ever been, or ever will be again. You came into this world to share your uniqueness, not to hide in someone else's shadow. Strive to be true to your highest self, and avail others of the gifts that come from your own unique experiences, talents and perspectives. In time, you will know an ease and deep satisfaction with life that comes from developing inner strength.

Learn more about this author, Laura Caine.
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