"力とは、愛されていないと言われても、それに屈しないことです。"

This quote boils down to the idea that true strength is maintaining your sense of self-worth even when you face rejection or harsh criticism. It's about resilience—being able to stand tall and not letting negative opinions or lack of validation from others break you down. It’s that inner fortitude that keeps you going regardless of what anyone else thinks or says.

Historically, this resonates with anyone who’s ever faced adversity or been told they’re not enough. Think about the great leaders, artists, and change-makers throughout history. They were often met with skepticism, ridicule, and outright rejection. Yet, they pressed on. Why? Because they had an unshakable belief in their own value and purpose. You can almost imagine a young, struggling artist like Vincent van Gogh, whose works were largely unrecognized during his lifetime, holding on to his passion and purpose despite the world's indifference.

Let's dive into a real-life example to bring this idea to life. Picture J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. Before she became a household name, she faced numerous rejections from publishers. Here she was, a single mom on welfare, being told over and over that her manuscript wasn't worth publishing. Did she crumble? No. She held on to her belief in her story and persisted. Eventually, she found a publisher who saw the magic in her words, and the rest is history. Rowling’s journey epitomizes the power of not being destroyed by rejection.

So, how can you apply this to your life? Start by building a strong foundation of self-worth that doesn’t rely on external validation. Easier said than done, right? But think about it—if you know who you are and what you stand for, negative feedback won't shake you as much. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and practice self-compassion. When you hear criticism, evaluate it for any constructive points but don’t let it define you. And remember, everyone's entitled to their opinion, but that doesn’t mean it’s the truth about you.

Let me share a relatable story to illustrate this concept further. Imagine you’re at work, and you’ve just presented a big project you’ve poured your heart into. Your boss says it’s not good enough and wants you to start over. Feels like a punch to the gut, right? Now, you have two choices: you can let this criticism demoralize you and question your abilities, or you can take a deep breath and recognize that this feedback is just one person’s perspective. You remind yourself of your past successes and the skills you’ve honed over the years. Instead of feeling defeated, you use this as an opportunity to improve and grow. You tweak your project, come back even stronger, and eventually, your boss—and maybe even the entire team—sees the value in your work.

In essence, power is about holding on to your intrinsic value, no matter what storms come your way. It’s not about being invulnerable but about being resilient. Embrace the knocks, learn from them, but never let them define your worth. Think of yourself as a tree with deep roots. Strong winds might bend your branches, but they can't uproot you if you stay grounded in who you are.