When I think back on the passages in my life, there was a perfect 12-year period. How fortunate was that? 12-years without a care in the world. It began when I was 46-years-old. I had completed one year of mourning the loss of my late husband (though in truth mourning is never quite finished,) and was fortunate to be introduced to my Ultimate Concierge. My world for the next 12-years was magical. It was perfect. And then, a downpour of problems began to rain on our lives. I have weathered these storms because I am resilient, adaptable, and mentally tough. These are two of the characteristics and qualities of a strong woman. Traits like resilience and adaptability are defining qualities of mentally strong women. Research supports that these traits are essential for overcoming adversity and thriving.

Passages of Life Come and Go

As I replay those 12 blissful years in my mind I sigh and become teary-eyed. Why? Because they were so ideal, so flawless, so divine. How fortunate we were to have had such a long and tranquil grace period filled with laughter, love, and adventure. Those moments were not just times of happiness, but also significant for personal growth, shaping our resilience and strength for the future.

Unfortunately and true, idyllic passages come and go. They are replaced with unforeseen problems and obstacles, often beyond our control, and they do their diligence to invade our happiness as we try to avoid a variety of explosive landmines. We accept our situations, find a cure and move on; but not without scars.

The Character of a Strong Woman

My life has a cast of scars, as does yours, yet I live a productive, delightful, and interesting life. I know that every thought I have shapes my mindset and helps me focus on what truly matters. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t laugh and learn and get excited about a new series! Embracing a growth mindset, I approach challenges as opportunities to use my brain and expand my knowledge. And, I want you to know that I have faced very serious problems… a family suicide, the takeover of my husband’s company by family, cancer, life in Elsewhere (ongoing), an adult child who no longer speaks to me and took her family along, acknowledging my Ultimate Concierge’s age is frightening because he is my love, my rock, and my best girlfriend. Even in these moments, I have experienced self doubt, but I always find the strength to overcome it. When adversity strikes, I deal with it head-on, knowing that resilience leads to success. Lastly and least important is the disappointment of friends and events. But that is ok. It is life and I am strong. And, so are you. The character of a strong woman focuses on the positive and rises to each situation with a positive attitude, which I practice every day.

I am sharing my life with you because everyone’s life has hills and valleys. No one is immune. So, don’t feel sorry for yourself. I have never felt sorry for myself. I know I deserve happiness and self-worth, regardless of the opinions of others. Darling, I pick myself up and start all over again, as the song goes. That is the character of a strong woman—feeling every emotion, being proud of achievements, and never losing sight of who you are.

Emotional Intelligence: The Heart of Strength

Emotional intelligence is truly at the heart of what makes a strong woman shine. It’s that quiet, steady power that allows mentally strong women to navigate life’s challenges with grace, confidence, and resilience. At its core, emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and understand our own emotions, as well as the feelings of others, and to use this awareness to guide our thoughts and actions.

Mentally strong women face their fears and emotions head-on, never shying away from what they feel. Instead of suppressing or denying their emotions, they embrace them, using each moment as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. This self-awareness is a cornerstone of inner strength, helping women recognize what truly matters to them and guiding them toward their own goals and dreams.

But emotional intelligence isn’t just about understanding ourselves—it’s also about building meaningful relationships with others. Strong women know how to empathize, to listen, and to offer a healthy dose of kindness and support. By doing so, they create a ripple effect of positivity that touches the lives of friends, family, and even strangers. Their ability to connect and inspire is a testament to their leadership and the power they hold within.

Self-care is another essential part of emotional intelligence. Mentally strong women understand that taking care of their physical well-being and emotional health is not selfish—it’s necessary. By prioritizing self-care, they ensure they have the energy and resilience to face whatever challenges life brings. This commitment to health and well-being allows them to lead with confidence, courage, and a sense of pride in who they are.

In a world that often tests our resolve, emotionally intelligent women stand tall. They recognize that every challenge is a chance to grow, every fear is an opportunity to show courage, and every act of kindness can create lasting change. By nurturing their emotional intelligence, strong women not only enrich their own lives but also inspire others to do the same.

So, darling, remember that emotional intelligence is a quality worth cultivating. It will help you lead a fulfilling life, pursue your dreams with determination, and make a positive impact on the world around you. Let your inner strength shine, and let your journey be one of growth, resilience, and unwavering confidence.

Make Amends

I do my best to make amends. And, I have no problem apologizing; I think it is a strength rather than a weakness. I recognize that making mistakes is a natural part of life, and I use them as opportunities to learn and grow. As well, I change my attitude when I am wrong, knowing that admitting a mistake shows authenticity and self-awareness. I am very, very, forgiving. I never hold a grudge. Forgiveness often comes from a place of unconditional love, both for myself and others. And, I have learned to accept what I cannot change after making an effort, even when dealing with difficult situations (this is so hard.) I sleep at night because underneath my sadness I am also a woman who is hardy, adaptable, and looks forward with positivity to living each day to its fullest, often feeling excited about new possibilities. And so must you. That is the character of a strong woman.

A Woman of Substance

I have met many weak women. And, I have met and cemented relationships with many loving and strong women. These women are loving individuals, showing compassion and kindness to those around them. I call them women of substance. Darling, I am drawn to them because they are teachers, and they possess admirable qualities such as resilience, empathy, and integrity. I am not threatened by this type of woman, nor do I compare myself to other women; instead, I support and learn from them. And, I embrace her. This, too, is a characteristic of a strong woman.

I remember a memorable day I spent at Pearl Harbor with a powerful and strong woman, Gerta Klein. Gerta was in a concentration camp and survived because she had resilience and unwavering beliefs that guided her through adversity. She was liberated by an American soldier, who she later married.

I was living in Honolulu at the time and I had asked Gerta to be a speaker on the Holocaust because she had become renowned. So, I picked her up at the airport and her first question was: “Would you please take me to Pearl Harbor?” Gerta’s story is a testament to how women prove their strength and courage through their actions and achievements.

We crossed the water in a Pearl Harbor dinghy, our hair blowing in the wind, walked up the plank of The Arizona when she asked, “Would you walk me to the oil slick?” In moments like these, standing up for what matters and honoring the past becomes a powerful act of advocacy and remembrance.

Never Forget to Remember

As we bent over the side of The Arizona we watched the continuous flow of oil surface. Gerta opened her large handbag and took out a rather large evergreen branch, held it in her hand and looked at me (she was 20 years my senior) and said, “If Japan had not attacked Pearl Harbor, America would not have entered the war and my grandchildren would not be here today.” She then took the evergreen branch, ‘alive and always green’, and dropped it into the oil slick. We both cried. Gerta Klein lived through a dreadful time, faced countless obstacles, survived, and spent years of her life traveling America and the world, educating others to ‘never forget to remember.’ Her survival was a testament to her success in overcoming adversity.

Why am I relaying a portion of her story? Because Gerta had the characteristics of a strong woman. She was resilient, adaptable, positive, rose to the occasion, never felt sorry for herself, did not carry a grudge, was strong, quick to recover and bounce back, and sensitive and loving. She practiced kindness and perseverance daily, and her faith gave her strength in the darkest moments. Gerta knew how to deal with adversity, always finding a way to move forward. She was one of my teachers; a treasure in my treasure box of women I admire. Amen.

What do you believe are the characteristics of a strong woman? Let me know in the comments below or share your ideas on Facebook. As well, send me your question at: info@www.honeygood.com! All names will be confidential and questions will be answered by me. 

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