I was given a card on the weekend; “You are one of the Strongest Women I know” it announced. Not feeling particularly worthy of the sentiment at the time, I sheepishly opened this declaration of friendship. And this is what it said:

Strong women are those who know the road ahead will be strewn with obstacles, but they still choose to walk it because it’s the right one for them.
Strong women are those who make mistakes, who admit to them, learn from those failures, and then use that knowledge.
Strong women are easily hurt, but they still extend their hearts and hands, knowing the risk and accepting the pain when it comes.
Strong women are sometimes beat down by life, but they still stand back up and step forward again.
Strong women are afraid. They face fear and move ahead to the future, as uncertain as it can be.
Strong women are not those who succeed the first time. They’re the ones who fail time and again, but still keep trying until they succeed.
Strong women face the daily trials of life, sometimes with a tear, but always with their heads held high as the new day dawns.
-       Brenda Hager

This is as much a recognition of where I am as it is a reminder of where I need to be. On the same day I was given the card, I was reminded that the friends we choose are so diverse simply because each one reflects a certain aspect of ourselves. So I dedicate the card’s message to the strong and incredible women in my life who not only remind me of the parts I am made up of but who also provide the building blocks. Keep reminding me of who I am … Self-discovery also needs performance reviews.