Real Strength is...

There has been a question of what makes a strong person constantly on my mind ever since I read an article speaking about how there really are no strong female characters. 

Buffy from the TV show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" has been introduced as a classic example of a Strong Female Character. But, she's physically strong. Which is what makes her considered strong.

The article is accurate in that it points out how most women who are portrayed as strong have many "masculine qualities," which then get downplayed by "feminine qualities" portrayed in a derogatory manner, such as being a heap big vampire slayer, but then crying and asking Angel or Riley or Spike to guide her during a self crisis.

Okay, really? You don't need to be physically strong to be labelled as a strong character.

Strongest person I've ever seen on TV: Annemarie Kessler from Grimm.

She's absolutely physically strong. Knife scars all over her body, attacked 3 times, recovering from chemotherapy, and still manages to knife open the gut of a would-be assassin. She should automatically be awarded  Most Badass Supporting Character in Existence just for that scene.

All over strong: acknowledges that there are problems or mistakes she needs to deal with, and does it. No avoidance, no excuses, a simple sorry. Now that is some kind of strength of character. Most of us simply just can't do that.

Strength, for me, is about holding firm under pressure or force. There will always be ebbs and flows, but the important thing to me, is to realize that the ability to be strong is there, even if I need reminders from those around me. Strength is realizing that sometimes you need help.

The point isn't that you show no emotion, or cry in private, or don't let things bother you. The point is that you're still around, still kicking, and doing whatever you can to be the best you can personally be, and to strive to improve, to be you, however and whoever you want to be.

Roll with the punches, people. Start acknowledging how strong you really are.

You don't have to kick someone's ass, or be emotionless, or not rely on anyone else but yourself.

Just keep going.Never give up.

Now THAT is strength.