It's not merely the lack of a strength or being good at something that creates our perceived weaknesses. Those things that we define within ourselves as weaknesses, only acquire that definition because there is a desire behind them.
For example, have you felt bad or looked down upon yourself because you are not good at particle physics or you can't make a balloon animal? If not, then those things likely do not feel important or are not a priority to you? No need to judge it as weak if there is no desire there.
However it's so easy to judge ourselves for those things we do desire, no matter where we are on the journey to developing skill or fluency with them. That self judging then limits us because we are afraid to show ourselves, afraid to try. We fear disappointing ourselves or disappointing others. We fear being judged and ridiculed.
I know two (of many) places where I fall into the trap of judging myself are my kayaking and my communication skills. These are both areas that are important to me. They are even both areas that I've developed some fluency in. Yet, I still have not always allowed myself the freedom to soar for fear of being judged, for fear of being "not enough", for fear of doing it wrong or fear of being seen as weak.
Where are you holding yourself small out of fear of what others might say about you or even fear of what you might say to your self?
Listening to a talk by Matt Kahn this week, I was moved to hear him saying about himself "My greatest weaknesses are simply strengths that are still growing in strength." I found that so powerful. What if we all could nurture that part within us like we would the seed of a plant.
To know that there is something beautiful and strong wanting to come out if we give that place within ourselves permission to not be perfect. Just as we don't judge a seed for not being a lovely flower or a strong tree, what if we don't judge that "weakness" or still growing strength within ourselves.
What if you could be compassionate with yourself in your progress and growth. What if you could know and hold true, "Your greatest weaknesses are simply strengths that are still growing in strength."
Instead of judging that seed within you for where it is on its journey of growth, what might be possible for you if you choose to nourish that seed. In what ways might you be able to reach for the sky?
I'd love to hear how this resonates for you and what freedom it might create if you take it to heart.
Your greatest weaknesses are simply strengths that are still growing in strength!