When I first starting writing this blog, I thought that I’d share some information on being strong in a physical way…. building muscle, building bone and the benefits of being fit. Then I started to think differently.

The world needs strong women and it has strong women.  I have great examples throughout my life and especially a couple of years ago.  During that time, I was involved in a twelve month Functional Medicine Health Coach training.  Weekly I met with thirty others in the training throughout the world and 80% were women.  We had the opportunity to coach one another and we were able to apply our personal stories.  It was during that time, I realized how strong women truly are.  They have suffered loss, been caretakers for sick children, maintained the household and were bettering themselves in this training.  Mostly, they wanted to give to others and become health coaches. 

One theme came out of many of the coaching stories and this message was that strong women need strong partners whether it be husbands, male domestic partners or even female, if they choose to be in a relationship.  Have you ever been around a strong woman? They own the room when they walk in. I remember in 2007 an example during a yoga conference.  This instructor walked in and the room got quiet.  It was nothing she said or did.  Her charisma and confidence was silent but present.  Maybe that isn’t their intention (to own the room), but the “true” strong woman has a certain heir about her. It’s not a pretend strength, but a strength that she is confident and isn’t trying too hard. We’ve all seen the woman (and even the man) who is pretending and not genuine. It's evident.  They are often indecisive and fearful that other females will take their spotlight when in actuality, they just need to be relax and be themselves.  

Strong women have grit. I witnessed this in my coaching sessions.  Things haven’t always been perfect, but they have strength and determination to get through the troubled times. They have picked themselves up and kept going. They learned from it.  Isn’t that what life is? Every opportunity is a learning experience! These women bend but do not break and they bloom into warriors. She is comfortable in her own skin. If you are still wondering what a strong woman looks like, she is independent, and this means financially and emotionally. She may split the bill on a date, and she never wants to be in a situation of owing someone. You can’t buy this woman’s respect; you have to earn it!

Maybe you’ve fallen for a strong woman and, if so, how does or did that feel? I've had some people say that a strong woman is as happy being alone as she is going to a party. Many strong women are often reserved, especially emotionally. She may not put all her cards on the table. You have to earn her trust. It takes a lot for her to let her guard down… really down. She doesn’t let just anyone into her personal, emotional world. When she does, that’s quite an accomplishment. At that point she is vulnerable, loyal, giving, and she must really like you a lot!

What does a strong woman need in life? To be herself! If she chooses to be in a relationship, she needs a strong partner. She needs someone sincere and direct while also providing her room to be independent while also supporting her. Strong women need a partner who is confident and secure in their abilities. They deserve someone who can navigate through challenges and will stand by their side when life gets rough. She needs another warrior. She deserves someone who will support them during hardship and celebrate their wins!

The best thing to remember, in my opinion, is that a strong woman gets tired of being the strong one all the time. An emotionally available partner is comforting and will take the reins when needed so she doesn’t get completely exhausted from holding everything together. She wants a teammate, a soulmate, a best friend and someone who helps her grow, challenges her and helps her be her best self.  In summary, a strong woman wants a strong connection. She's looking for someone to deeply feel with and explore the world of life with.

For the woman who isn’t looking for a relationship, the same rules apply. She needs to surround herself with people who are strong, who encourage her, challenge her, respect her, and help her learn. If you know a strong woman or if you are a strong woman, you know that when she finds true friends who support her, she will move heaven and Earth to support them and give them her all. She will listen to them, be loyal and honest. Isn’t that what we all need and deserve? Life’s to short to experience anything less.

For this International Women's Day, let’s give a shout out to all the strong women in our lives. Mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, mentors, friends, colleagues and even females we don't know who stand strong and make the world a better place.