Reclaiming Your Inner Strength
This isn’t about blaming depression on weakness or equating giving up with lack of character. Teenage depression is real, and while there’s no shortage of information out there about it, this message is different. This is a reminder that no matter how overwhelmed, discouraged, or stuck you feel—you have the power to take your personal strengths back. Don’t give up just because it’s hard or unclear. Sometimes we’re too deep in a situation to see it clearly, and that clouded perspective can delay the healing or growth we desperately need.
“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” — Maya Angelou
Own Your Power Again
One powerful truth I’ve learned: no one can control you unless you allow them to. That might be a tough pill to swallow, because it means you have to look closely at your own choices, emotions, and role in your current situation. But once you take that first honest step, something shifts. You begin to take back control—not just from people, but from situations, emotions, or habits that may be holding you back.
It’s not just others who can make us feel powerless. Sometimes it’s our own fear, doubt, or past experiences that sabotage our growth.
Redefining What Strength Looks Like
Being strong doesn’t mean you’ll never feel sad, frustrated, or broken. It doesn’t mean you’re always happy or always confident. Real strength is having the emotional stamina to take care of yourself even when things are hard.
That strength comes from within—and it grows with every small choice you make to keep going. Listen to motivational speakers like Eric Thomas and Les Brown, and you’ll hear the same message: it’s not about perfection—it’s about persistence.
Motivation Starts With Willpower
Here’s the truth: you won’t always feel motivated. And that’s okay.
What you do have, however, is willpower—and that’s even more powerful. Willpower is the engine that pushes you through resistance when your body and mind scream “no.” And it’s in those exact moments—the ones where quitting feels easiest—that your strength has the most potential to grow.
So the next time you’re unmotivated or drained, remember: that discomfort is not your limit—it’s your launch point.
Keep Going, Even Without Motivation
Taking your personal strength back isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a daily choice. It’s learning to find purpose and power even in tough experiences. It means creating a vision for yourself that’s bigger than your fear or fatigue.
You won’t always feel strong. But you can choose strength again and again.
So when motivation fades, remind yourself why you started.
Remember:
You’ve got this. You’re strong enough. Don’t give up.
This is such an important article. Although we’re just not motivated sometimes; sometimes all we need is a little boost to get it going again 🙂
I think this is hard for children/teens to apply to their lives. I’ve witnessed some horrible treatment of kids who don’t deserve it and what choice do they have? Writing from a female perspective, for us adults living in countries where women are not oppressed it is much easier, even if we don’t realize it – as you’ve pointed out. It takes time and bravery. But when we arrive at beginning to tap into our own strengths it is certainly one of the most empowering and freeing feelings in the world.
Thanks for continuing to shine a light on a dark and oftentimes lonely situation!
Claudette, Thanks for your support and touching thoughts.
The concept of strength is intriguing. Some people say that you are strong when you are stoic, and some say you are strong when you let your emotions show.
Great advice. I sometimes forget why I’m doing things or what the main goal, and it’s so important to stop and remember so you don’t lose motivation. Thanks for the great reminder.
Staying motivated is no easy task. Life can definitely wear you down. Like you pointed out it is a good idea to get a self-esteem check up every once in a while by listening to people like Les Brown to keep you going.
LaShon Renee, I like to listen to motivational video. Our kids need strong role model to uplift their confidence and self esteem.
I have always been told that I am a strong woman. However, there are days when I feel slumped and tired, with no motivation whatsoever to go on with my usual doings. I loved reading your post, Patrice. Sometimes a little gentle nudge can go a long way.
Annemarie LeBlanc, Sometime people forget that the strong child need attention too and a little nudge like you say is all they need to get them out of the slump.
Great great tips. Timely for me. Thanks for sharing that video too.
What an inspiring article, I have a big appreciation for articles about self improvement. Aside from taking your personal strengths back, it’s also great if you develop new ones along the way!
So sad when those people are in depression and stress, thanks for sharing strength, I enjoyed reading this,.
I totally agree with all of this. Strength is so important, and making sure kids know this is a big deal. Last year or two at school really made a few of my kiddos feel weak, so helping get their strength back has been a tough job but we did it.
Jeanine glad to hear the kids are back on track it was your family support and time you did it. Awesome!
I have to agree with you when you said that it is during your trying times that you can actually get your personal strength back and be motivated. So long as you have a goal, you can stand up again and do it. It may not be easy, but you really have to push yourself to be able to do it.
I also think that strength is when you just get up and keep going even though life continues to knock you down!
Like the Little Engine that Could!
Great piece!
I completely agree with your statement” no-one has power over you unless you allow them to take control of your own life”. It is amazing how we allow people to effect us!
I’m becoming stronger and stronger for my son. It’s amazing how I had such a hard time being strong for myself, but he instills the need for me to attain strength more quickly. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with the #homemattersparty this weekend. We love having you.
When I feel I need strength I think of my boys.
What does being strong look like. That’s a way deeper question that could be it’s own piece! Great post. You take on some heavy stuff here. Glad you’re bringing it out to light. That clip was awesome too btw.
Dani, Its time to move forward bringing teenage depression awareness…A topic that is so heavily guarded by many to forefront.
These are excellent points. We must learn to take responsibility for our own actions and emotions to avoid living life as a constant victim. Thank you for sharing!
Tryphena Wade, It’s start at home
I agree that being motivated is not easy. I choose to surround myself with positive people, recite affirmations, listen to people that inspire and encourage me. I LOVE this video, very inspiring. I’ll definitely share it with my readers.
Siobhan(BeFree Project), It’s not easy at time but having the right mix of support make the difference.
Depression is not a normal part of aging. I feel exhausted sometime but i try to step back and take a deep breath. Be thankful everyday
Queen! I agree with this 1,000 times! This is how I became an advocate for sexual assault and domestic violence prevention — I had to tell my own story first. It empowered me in the way that is hard to articulate! There is truly power in breaking your silence… so many have been impacted since.
LaQuisha Hall, Thanks for your support and sharing your story & cause empowering women.
You always post such great information. Thank you for sharing! The video was good.
Thanks for shining a light on an issue that’s not often discussed. I think strength comes from knowing that every day, you’re better than you were the day before.
Tiffani G, We just have to keep on ….Striving for better
What an amazing video indeed. I so loved how motivating this was for anyone that sees it. Thanks so much for sharing. I am going to share this with my nephew who needs this at this time in his life. 😀
Thank you for coming by my blog Patrice because now I have found yours and you. This post was truly inspirational. I love the quote from Maya Angelou. Mental illness is a lifelong battle but with many voices calling our names and many hands pulling us back from the ledge, our illness is not as powerful as it could be.
Sandra, Thank you for your support.