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Strength of Body
I have known plenty of seemingly beautiful thin people who couldn’t do a push up to save their lives. I have also known many seemingly overweight, average looking people who can run marathons, do 20 burpees in a row, work in their garden all day long, take care of their families morning to night, and kayak in open water for hours.
Strength of Emotion
I have known plenty of seemingly beautiful thin people who have an even thinner emotional shell. The slightest thing, inconsequential and trivial, will set them off into emotional tirades. I have also known many seemingly overweight, average looking people who can express themselves effectively and honestly in a wide range of emotions appropriate to the events and circumstances of their day.
Strength of Mind
I have known plenty of seemingly beautiful thin people who wouldn’t know their mind if it rang their doorbell and asked to be let in. I have also known many seemingly overweight, average looking people who are smart, wise, insightful, creative, astute, practical problem solvers, philosophers, leaders, entertainers, opinion makers.
Strength of Individuality
And finally, I have known plenty of seemingly beautiful thin people who are all those positive things as well. All sizes can be those things.
Beautiful does not equal good, thin does not equal fit, educated does not equal wise.
Drawing and commentary © 2016 Marty Coleman | napkindad.com
Quote is adapted from one by Cheri K. Erdman
I picked a “word” for this year and it was Strength, for all of these reasons.
I love it. Strength is what it’s all about. I ask the runners I coach a question, “Why are we here?” And of course, there are many reasons. But one primary reason is to be strong and fit in case of emergency. If you get sick, do you want to be strong and fit or weak and unfit when that happens? If your house gets hit by a flood or tornado, do you want to be strong and fit or weak and unfit. If you have any sort of calamity, which will help you face it best, being strong and fit or weak and unfit?