My grandmother passed away this past week and, as i recap on the memories and stories of her life, i am warmed with admiration for a woman who has more strength than i can even comprehend.

In my profession, i talk a lot about what it means to be “strong”, to be “fit”. I often reference incredible athletes that have overcome obstacles and persevered to be the best in their chosen sport as an example of what it means to be strong and fit. We see it all the time in sports drink commercials–the focused athlete covered in sweat giving his/her all to be the best.

But nobody is stronger than Grandma.

My Grandmother may not have been a top competitor in the world’s strongest man competition, however, she harbors a deeper level of strength that even an elite athlete couldn’t compete with. She raised 8 kids by herself in the housing projects of Oakland, California. She always put everyone ahead of herself and would never cease to help anyone in need. Most strongman competitors would cry if they missed a meal, while my Grandmother would miss several to help another. And where would these strong men be without their mothers and grandmothers raising them, teaching them how to never quit, and to always eat their vegetables?

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” -Ghandi

Lifting weights, running faster, jumping higher are all surface level attributes for the most common assocation with the word “strength”. To me, strength has changed its definition. It is no longer about a solo pursuit to lift the most weight, to run faster, or to jump higher…

The highest level of strength is about compassion, sacrifice and courage to surrender to something greater than yourself. Strength is a feeling, an unwavering flame that fights to stay lit despite the winds of overwhelming opposition. Strength is being able to smile regardless of the situation, to enjoy the process, and to give all of yourself without fear. Strength is best friends with optimism and revels at the opportunity to find the best in any situation. Fear is the enemy of strength and has no place in the heart of those that are truly strong. Most of all, strength is an expression of love–a place of abundance where one can be free and vulnerable without fear of being hurt.

My Grandma helped me to see what it truly means to be strong. Thanks Grandma, I love you.

Charlie

Charlie Reid Uncategorized