Linda N. Edelstein, Ph.D.

Feeling Weak, Feeling Strong

by | Dec 10, 2012 | Relationships | 3 comments

Here’s an idea I’ve been playing with this week (weak ha, no pun intended). We behave differently when we feel weak than we do when we feel strong. For example, when we feel weak, we may believe that we have to stay in a hateful job; when we feel strong, we believe that we can find a job in which we will flourish. Here is another example; some people remain involved in relationships they would leave if they felt strong, but continue to stay involved because they feel weak. Last example; sillier, but common; do you eat differently when you feel weak than when you feel strong? I do. I eat healthier when I feel strong.

So, this is what I am thinking. When we feel strong, we behave in ways that are courageous, disciplined or forward looking. When we feel weak, we are stuck, less optimistic, and think only in the moment. As a result, we don’t act in our own long term interests.

Most of the determination of feeling weak or strong is in our heads. What if we asked ourselves, “What would I do if I felt strong? If I felt confident?” and listen to the answer. I’m not foolish. I know that there are times when we are all in weak positions and have to stay put, suck it up, or wait. I’m talking about the rest of the time. We could ask, “What would the strong version of me do?” even if we can’t follow through at that moment – we

get a glimpse into the life that we might be able to create.

If you try this, please let me know what happens.

3 Comments

  1. Judith

    Thanks for the inspiration!

    Judith

    • Linda Edelstein

      Good to hear from you again, Judith. LE

  2. hp

    “Food” for thought…an looking forward to your words each week.