I have weaknesses that frustrate me, and I also have potential for becoming better. I find it a challenge as a woman to find accountability for becoming better within my feminine roles. As a whole, being feminine and desiring to become a good woman in all our areas of life requires inner strength while at the same time exhibiting tenderness, gentleness, self-control, being quiet (STFU), and being a soft place to land. This is the dichotomy of my struggle. All my life, I have bounced back and forth between wanting to be challenged and ambitious versus wanting to be tender and kind. I’ve sought motivation from people in the military for their resilience and willingness to press on no matter what. I’ve sought motivation from grandmothers and older female mentors who are there for their friends, family, loved ones, and husband.

I’m here to say that these two seemingly exclusive sides of a person are both challenging and yet possible. I read a quote that gentleness is not weakness but is applying the least amount of force that is still effective. I am grateful for this group of ladies who continue to persevere in striking this balance. I will continue to look for you all to individually persevere in these things. The ideal is not an extreme in 99.9% of cases, but an appropriate, timely response at the right moment. It’s across time being able to strike the right balance. Even physiologically in the female body, seemingly different hormones are at play half of our cycles, with estrogen rising the first half, and progesterone in the second.

The challenge I struggle with is maintaining firm accountability for being a soft and gentle woman. Hardly any groups out there challenge women to become better, yet these groups do exist. It’s easy for me to err on either side, to become hardened and disciplined like a man when I want a challenge, or becoming soft and ineffective if I want to be feminine. I ask for that accountability to aim for balance and strength. And for those women striving to fine tune their lives in this way, I am grateful to you! I don’t want to be complacent, but neither do I want to become harsh. Thank your for helping me to grow!