Fragility in Strength | August 2023

Dear Friends,

For as long as I can remember I have been characterized as someone who is “strong.” When I was younger, I held that characterization with pride. Now as I have circled the sun a few times, I’m reflecting on the words “strong” and “strength.”

If someone who has grown up without a father and is seemingly “well adjusted” is strong, then I guess I’m strong.

If strength is putting yourself through college when everyone told you that you couldn’t do it or that you couldn’t afford to go to college, then I guess I’m strong.

If someone who endured a devastating trauma and ended up starting their own real estate brand years later is strong, then I guess I’m strong.

If strength is enduring that trauma alone because everyone around them said, “Oh, she’s strong, she’ll pull out of this.” Or was told, “We didn’t know how to be there for you because you were always the one there for everyone else” is strength, then I guess I’m strong.

If someone who has been in the profession of sales and takes rejection after rejection after rejection and is still hanging on is strength, then I guess I’m strong.

If strength is someone who has struggled with depression and their own value and self-worth and yet, gets up every morning to face another day, then I guess I’m strong.

Or, if someone who wanted to run away from their very life but, rather, persevered and hung on even if by a mere thread is strong, then I guess I’m strong.

What many don’t seem to know about me is that beyond my “strength” I am also very fragile. Fragile is often looked at negatively in our world. When I say I’m fragile, I mean that I am vulnerable and should be handled with care. I am delicate although strong. It’s a strange dichotomy yet, it’s true. So, the next time you see me and you think I’m doing okay because I’m strong, please proceed with softness because as strong as I am, I am also fragile.

Delicately yours,

Rica

p.s. Did you know that we help about half a dozen or more of our clients relocate or buy investment property outside of the area and even out of state? We have an amazing network of colleagues all across the country. Contact us today to see how we can help you wherever life takes you!