Finding Strength

Strength is a multi sided characteristic. One can be mentally strong, physically strong, or have qualities of both. Being mentally strong can mean achievement in academics: excelling in math, science, and english, or having confidence and feeling strong within yourself and about yourself.

I regularly think back on an adventure I had over the summer where I felt the most mentally and physically strong. I climbed Camel’s Hump, which is the third tallest mountain in Vermont. I have never been a person who is “in shape”. I’m not very active, I don’t work out or play sports, and my daily life doesn’t require me to be physically fit. Hiking is one of the few activities I enjoy that also happens to be exercise. However, on the morning of my expedition up Camel’s Hump, I was positive I would make it halfway to the summit and crash: my calves would burn excessively, my chest would weigh me down and I would be able to move no further.

Instead I had the opposite experience as I was marching up the steep and rocky slope. I felt alive, I felt amazing, I felt like I could do anything. My calves did burn, but I felt satisfied because of that, my chest was heavy, swelling with pride at what I was accomplishing, and I only stopped moving in order to enjoy the spectacular view I had arrived at.

This same summer I went to Seattle Washington by myself to visit my grandparents. I explored the downtown area alone, I chose what I wanted to do each day, and I figured out how to keep myself entertained, without relying on my friends to keep me happy. This was a lesson that also boosted my strength. It increased my confidence, and showed me that I could live and survive on my own, that I didn’t have to look to other people to feel content.

When I was standing on the summit of Camel’s Hump this came to mind. I had climbed this mountain, and with only the company of myself, I had gained confidence.

Confidence, like strength, must be found within yourself. Relying on other people for these important aspects of your mind will only lead to more insecurity and weakness. As a teenager, confidence can be fleeting, it can vanish as soon as someone bruises your self image. I hope to remind everyone that only you can control how you feel about yourself, and finding ways to to find happiness on your own is almost all you need.

Me on Camel's Hump

This is a neighborhood in Seattle called Fremont

Exploring Seattle on my own, Pike Place Market