"She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future" -Proverbs 31
Some people refer to it as "tough skin" or "broad shoulders". Others may refer to it based on physicality. Yet others may view life experiences as making a woman "strong". My personal thoughts include all of these ideas rolled into one.
It takes mental strength to become physically fit and emotional strength to overcome the hardships that this world throws your way. Your mind and emotions develop a rocky exterior just to protect the softness secured beneath. You train your mind to push your body beyond its limits to achieve your goals, both inside and outside the gym.
I have tried to "train my brain" to seek out the positive in every situation. This can be a challenge at times. When I struggle with this idea in a situation, I try to move forward "without fear". Moving forward is an opportunity to explore new things, new options and room to grow and progress. I also apply this to my physical struggles because lets face it - they are co-existing problems. A bad day at the office or a fight with your significant other can lead to a depressive mood with minimal or no interest in exercising and potentially a poor meal choice (aka binge eating chocolate or a gallon of ice cream). If I am struggling with my fitness goals or feeling discouraged with my progress, I try to see some sort of positive angle and move forward. For example: If I gained weight over the past month I try to view it as a great opportunity for me to change up my workout routine and become motivated to make progress. It signals to me that it is time for a change.
Overcoming these obstacles (in the gym or life in general) builds that rock-like exterior so that you are armed and ready for the next day and can conquer and progress with a positive mind. You have seen and dealt with things that many people couldn't even imagine. You have felt indescribable soreness and have made your body do things that most people consider impossible. You have exceeded your limitations but have also seen failure, multiple times. You have been ignored and unappreciated not to mention disrespected. You have and will be pushed down time and time again. But, you keep moving. Keep thinking. Keep progressing. Keep growing. And the end product equals a strong woman. And strong women are unstoppable.
So go train your brain and bodies to be positive powerful women.