Life demands strength from us. We owe it to ourselves to be strong – physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.

It comes from disciplined eating, exercising and sleeping habits. The mind-body relationship is inescapable. A strong sharp mind is ineffective with a weak body, just as the engine cannot perform if the tyres are flat. As my good Parsi doctor had advised me – “ Learn to listen to your body ”. Discipline builds strength.

It comes from having the will to say no, in the face of temptation and pressure. But this resolve will only come when we have spent time reflecting on what is right. Keeping aside time for daily reflection builds strength.

It comes from having the will to say yes. Saying yes, even when it throws us out of our comfort zone, but knowing it is the right thing to do. Taking on responsibilities and challenges which seem daunting and near impossible. Sometimes it’s our conviction, sometimes our compassion or just being courageous. And we find it in ourselves to be committed to a cause. Conviction, Compassion, Courage, Commitment build strength.

A boatman doesn’t start tying the boat when the storm has hit. He ties his boat in preparation of the storm. Knowing life is cyclical keeps us alert. Our preparation builds strength.

Our true test is how we behave when we are alone. This private space tests our character. Self restraint builds our strength.

And there’s a difference between inner strength and borrowed strength. Money, position, influence, fame, popularity, appreciation, of course give us power and strengthen us. But we must recognise these are transient and will change. Making them our source of security can shatter us when we lose them.

But we never lose the Infinite source within us. It exists. We need to have faith and learn to surrender to It, allowing It to operate through us. Faith and surrender truly build our Strength.