STRONG-Tender Soul.

I was vulnerable, insecure, full of doubts and fear. I had anxiety and heart palpitations. My journey helped to discover that I was stronger than I thought. I didn't lose my "tender soul."

 

 STRONG-Tender Soul.

  When I first arrived in this country, I was vulnerable, insecure, full of doubts and fear. I managed to get through life with my two daughters before I met my husband. I worked hard to make a living and to learn English. I was determined to succeed, to learn, to grow, to be self-sufficient and to master the language so I wouldn’t have to depend on anyone to “translate” for me. I was exposed to many difficult situations where I found prejudice and racism. As I was finding my way, learning, going to school, reading self-help books, attending personal development seminars, etc., I was able to find better employment opportunities; however, my vulnerability and lack of confidence in myself were not in my favor. I was a target for prejudice bullies, constantly. I would take walks during my breaks crying, full of anxiety and heart palpitations. I would come home and share my experiences with my husband, who has always been my greatest support, motivation, and inspiration. I used to tell him that I was not going to be a wimpy person anymore, that I was going to become hard and mean so I wouldn't get hurt by anyone anymore; with his loving patience, kindness, and words of wisdom, he would always encourage me to “never change” who I "truly" was. He believed in me, in my potential to flourish and find my emotional equilibrium. He believed in me-that I could become a stronger person without building a cold shell inside of me. He gave me ideas, encouragement, and motivation, and I put myself to do the work with determination, consistency, and discipline. I went through different jobs where I would last 4 to 7 years, finding in each one of them thicker skin layers, experience, and wiser ways to defend and protect myself, my dignity, and my integrity. I learned that to be “strong,” we do not have to lose our "tender soul." In my last job, where I had been working for 7 years, I decided one day to pack my things in a box and walk out with an exit interview in the Human Services Department; but not before I was courageous enough to have a good chat with my immediate supervisor, (I felt the fear and did it anyway). I was no longer willing to put up with unappreciation, lack of respect, intimidation, manipulation, and authoritative management strategies. I realized that I had a lot to offer and that I deserved to be treated better than that. I realized my value as a person and as an employee. I was building confidence, self-awareness, and determination. I chose to be true to myself even if it meant I would have to find myself another job. I chose short term worries over long term misery.  

Life is full of challenges, sometimes we are up and sometimes we are down- it is inevitable-but we do not have to become cold and lose our “tender soul” to become “strong”. Strong is about speaking up for yourself, not allowing anyone to walk all over you. Strong is learning to adapt, to be flexible, reliable, responsible, choosing self-love and to be true to yourself, strong is to keep moving and not getting stuck in circumstances that are damaging to your mental, physical and spiritual well-being, strong is being able to have a dialog without aggression, without insults or lack of respect for others point of view, strong is to realize that we can agree to disagree and to have the courage to choose what is best for you and the others. We do not have to stay in an environment surrounded by suppression where we are not given the opportunity to keep learning and growing. Be a strong person, speak up whenever necessary, be open minded and willing to listen and learn, practice patience, tolerance, and self-control over your emotions, be firm and assertive, and just as importantly, never lose your “tender soul,” your laughter, your joy. You will feel empowered, confident, and humble-it means that you know exactly your place-surpassing one’s ego, because we are nothing more, but also nothing less.  Strong with a tender soul. With love, Lourdes ! 

 

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree dear Lourdes.
"Be a strong person, speak up whenever necessary, be open minded and willing to listen and learn, practice patience, tolerance, and self-control over your emotions, be firm and assertive, and just as importantly, never lose your “tender soul,” your laughter, your joy."
Better to the willow tree. Dance with wind of life. Be kind and seek happiness. Thank you for sharing the story.
Coyote

[KCthelastboyscout]

Such an inspiring story to write life is filled with challenges and it seems that you face them and overcome them when you need to. That's a strength that comes from within and it's okay to accept support from others to keep you standing.much respect to you

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Lourdes for sharing your story and truth. I'm 3rd generation Hispanic American and in my life suffered through similar circumstances as you, despite being born here and speaking only English. But I did not allow the ignorance of others to dissuade me that I was any less American as they. I am 55 now and have seen this country that I love and have ever only known begin to tear itself apart at the seams because of its unresolved issues of hatred. It will be through the voices of people like you who remain steadfast assertive and true to their spirit and who have the grace and will to see past the anger and reflect the true beauty of this country. Because it is you as a human being and strong courageous woman that reflects the greater qualities of American-ism. Our higher ideals as a nation are given resonance through voces like yours. Few have earned that right more than you, Lourdes. Thank you for speaking your truth and sharing your story of what America is all about. We would be less a country without you in it.

[Samuel Dickens]

This is well written, honest, and encouraging. So many don't have your strength and determination. Even though I think you must have been a strong person anyway, thank goodness your husband was so supportive. I only wish more Americans who claim to be Christian would adhere to Jesus' teachings in regards to the weary immigrant.

[Lourdes Pessetto]

Dear Mr. Dickens, thank you so much for your comment. I truly appreciate your review and your insight. I invite you to visit my FB page, Lourdes-Healing Waters. Blessings 🕊💜!

[Samuel Dickens]

I'm sorry, but FB is too brutal for me. (All the angry, hateful politics.)

[Lourdes Pessetto]

Dear Mr. Estrada, thank you so much for your comment . I truly appreciate your review and your insight. I only hope more people who have been mistreated and unappreciated would have the courage to speak up for themselves. That's my hope by sharing my stories, to inspire and motivate others. Blessings!

[Lourdes Pessetto]

Mr. Dickens, I understand. I don't participate nor engage in politics. I stay away from that type of media and focus on the positive things life has to offer.