A Few of the Women That Gave Me Strength

June 12, 2022

A Few of the Women That Gave Me Strength

I have internalized the importance of this phrase taught to me by someone special: “ We walk shoulder to shoulder”. Handed down to her by another woman who I love. Value. This phrase and concept have allowed me to begin to feel worthy. It is the cornerstone of my mortal existence.

This woman whose life I watched bloom like a weed soaked in Miracle-Grow. And I thought:

THAT is a person who I want to guide me. Strong. But vulnerable. Accepting. While not tolerating bullshit. I had and still have plenty. And trust that she is not afraid to tell me when I am full of it. That is exactly what I need. Especially then. And I love her for that!

And the other women who lead me to this:

The spunky blonde woman who trusted me enough to introduce me to her granddaughter and wasn’t aware that when my life came rushing back: she was the first person I told. In 2013. Lying in an immobile heap in a bed soaked from my own sweat. In my parents’ house. In their guest room: not knowing why it had happened. How my life had gotten there. Again. But feeling that I could trust her. Because I knew in my heart I could.

The spitfire with the jet-black hair. Who unbeknownst to her: I found insanely cool. Not for the awesome hair. For being the embodiment of strength and hope. For taking time out of her life to sit with me over coffee. Listen. She didn’t know what it did for my life: sitting on the couch of her moving company. Knowing what she been through to get there. Giving me hope that with hard work, I could do something like that.

The spritely woman from Australia. Who used her gift of creativity with me to convert my problems into beads on a string. Who sat with me over tea on her screen porch.

My counselor. Who I love. Who is one of my best friends, Who has walked with me for almost 2/3 of my life. Who drove 45 minutes at 1 am to be with my family the night my father passed away. And in that moment: she was not a counselor.

She was a loving human being. Who we needed to be with us.

Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend. – Albert Camus

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arlynsmith

I have dealt with much in my life, but in the end I am only myself.) I have dealt with mental illness, physical disabilities, substance abuse , eating disorders, self mutilation, and on. Life is what you make it; I want to inspire people to have courage and be themselves in this world: regardless ofsex,religion, political, age, ethnicity, mental or physical state,ETC. Differences make us who we are, Nothing about an individual makes them “lesser”. I fight stereotypes on a daily basis; I find myself wiser now that I do not let society dictate my value. Know yourself and be confident in the wonder that is you. I created my page to inspire others and Impart my experiences in the hope that it may brighten and lend a sense of hope. I am a USAPL powerlifter and Paralympics hopeful. I hold 4 NASM CPTs. I’m a CNU philosophy major. I have also studied Psychology , Business , journalism, and medicine. I am currently also a writer. I am also a peer counselor, advocate for NAMI (mental health. Cerebeller stroke and spinocerebellar ataxia battler. Sober and recovered from an eating disorder since 2013.

About Me

An English diarist and naval administrator. I served as administrator of the Royal Navy and Member of Parliament. I had no maritime experience, but I rose to be the Chief Secretary to the Admiralty under both King Charles II and King James II through patronage, diligence, and my talent for administration.

Arlyn Smith