Tough on the outside, soft on the inside

Many women struggle to master the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability. How do we maintain our femininity and softness in a world that has pushed us to the wall and forced many to fight our own battles? ... No man or woman is an island. Giving and taking, sharing life experiences and lessons learned, is invaluable.

My pal Krista gave me a new desk calendar about a month ago about being a spiritual diva. I have no idea why she found it appropriate for me. :)

Nevertheless, I've found it to be both encouraging and applicable most days. It reminds me to not look for happiness in a mere mortal man, but in the One who is the source of joy. And today's post about balancing strength and vulnerability was especially relevant; Krista and I talked about it just yesterday during lunch.

Because that's one of the most challenging things in my life. Everyone views me as this strong, confident woman. Hardened. Edgy. And most of the time I am. I seldom cry. It's tough to hurt my feelings. It's tough to get past the tough exterior into my heart.

But there are a certain number of people with whom I let down my guard and allow them to see my softer side. It's tough to be vulnerable. It requires a certain trust.

If you're one of those rare people to whom I bare my soul, thanks for listening to me. For being patient with my moods and compulsiveness. If I didn't love you, I wouldn't share.

So here's to vulnerability, to friendship, and to being lucky to have people in your life who love you when you're strong as well as when you're weak. What a lucky gal I am. And someday I hope there's a boy who is tough enough to stick around to get to the good stuff.