It is the weak who are cruel.

True strength is the freedom to show all kinds of feelings.

 Strong people aren't afraid of being vulnerable.

A person who feels insecure may not feel free to show any kind of softness or be able to share gentle feelings.

If we have true inner strength, we are not afraid to show what is a part of us, gentle feelings included.

It is wonderful to see a well-conditioned athlete cry tears of joy after a victory.

In such an example we can see physical and emotional strength.

In our lives together, we will be stronger if we do not try to hide our feelings out of fear.

As our feelings flow, we will increase our self-understanding and build our true strength.

We criticize family members or complain about our friends.

 We always notice disease in the trees around us. 

But if we take time to be quiet, to sit alone in a tree or by a lake, we become more aware of how connected we are to the life around us.

 We are part of the beauty and the imperfection.

When we notice our own tree is not perfect, it becomes easier to forgive the blights of those around us.

It is also important to forgive ourselves our faults.

Though all the trees are beautiful, they each have their scars.

Being human means we are, like all humanity, both beautiful and imperfect.

God grant us the courage to change what we can -- ourselves. How difficult it is to let go of our struggles to control and change someone else.

How frequently we assume that everything would be fine if only someone else would change.

All that needs to change is an attitude, our own.

Taking responsibility for improving one's own life is an important step toward emotional health.

Blaming another for our circumstances keeps us stuck and offers no hope for improved conditions.

Personal power is as available as our decision to use it. And it is bolstered by all the strength we'll ever need.

The decision to take our lives in hand will exhilarate us.

The decision each day to be thoughtful, prayerful, and wholly responsible for all that we do will nourish our developing selves.

Each responsible choice moves us toward our wholeness, strengthening our sense of self, our well-being.

I will change only who I can today: myself.