What is your greatest strength?
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (38029)
December 1, 2024 10:15pm CST
I was having a discussion with my daughter about strengths and weaknesses. We all have both, whether we admit it or not. Many of us are really good at just basically one thing, while many of us are good at several, or many things. I tend to think it's more about what life's experiences have been for each one of us, that makes us stronger in some areas than others.
We really talked about this for quite some time, about different family members and mutual friends, and what strengths they show in many things. I found myself going back to the conversation later, over and over to think about what all we talked about.
I think my main strength is is being resilient. I seem to do better with extreme stress than a lot of people I know, and I am positive and determined. It takes a LOT for me to give up on anything, a person, a situation, and so on...I tend to think a lot of people give up way too quickly in all types of situations, at least I have seen that happen in the past...often, I know that whatever it is I'm dealing with could, or could not, end well--but giving up is not an option if it's something important, or someone is struggling. I just keep on, trying and determined to find a positive way.
If I were to list secondary strengths, it would have to be that I am adaptable. I am open to change if it's feasible and I feel it would be the best thing to do. People who are not open to change, don't grow--they are stagnant, and stuck in a rut for the most part. I don't ever want to be like that.
We ALL have strengths!! What's yours?
16 people like this
15 responses
@MarieCoyle (38029)
•
2 Dec
That’s honestly a good way to be. Energetic people are so fun to be around!
4 people like this
@kaylachan (70642)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
2 Dec
I would have to say, my ability to argue and fight. With words, not my fists or feet. It's gotten me in trouble with my parents, and I'm sure pissed a lot of people off. However, I have a wheelchair, I have a house and loving husband. And, that husband is regaining his independance because of me. I always thught it was a weakness because it's turned a lot of people off, but then, I look at George. He's on his couch watching Quantm Leap. He's not relying on a pump to feed him.
3 people like this
@kaylachan (70642)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
2 Dec
@MarieCoyle I knew if I didn't speak up at the time, I might not be where I am today. Although even though my parents believed me, I had to fall down the stairs in school for anyne else to realize my right side was still in bad shape. My dad helped a lot, but I found I had to stand up to him, too. It'd been a rough year that year because we'd lost my mom the year before.
I'm just thankful that what I've done has worked for George so far. I also know when to pick my battles.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38029)
•
2 Dec
@kaylachan
Kayla, I think one of the hardest things I ever learned was when to pick my battles, it can truly be a struggle for me. And yes, you are a true encourager for George, to encourage him to do the best he can do.
I am sorry that no one realized how bad things were for you, until you fell down a flight of stairs. How terrible that must have been for you. I'm sure sorry.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38029)
•
2 Dec
It seems you had to advocate for yourself and you did it. Now you are advocating for George. We all handle things differently and you did what you thought you had to do for yourself at the time. Now you are doing it for George, and he is very fortunate to have you,I know you do it out of love.
3 people like this
@AmbiePam (93343)
• United States
2 Dec
I guess that I don’t give up. I’ve been through some terrible things, and I haven’t given up. And I can find blessings where a lot of people would find none. That has kept going many a time.
You and my dad are the most resilient people I know.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38029)
•
2 Dec
My early years were somewhat...well, traumatic is the word, I guess. I dug in my heels as a child, determined to do what had to be done and to make things better, I craved happiness so much..it's hard to explain. Sometimes when you have a bad example of a person in front of you, you find yourself absolutely determined to never, ever be like they are. That was what I did. I couldn't let it go...you have the same trait. You never give up.
So often, those dark clouds can part for rays of sunshine.
I often think that it has a lot to do with hope.
''“Hope” is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all.'' Emily Dickenson's message being here, that there is hope inside all of us, and it's always there. (I love Emily!)
2 people like this
@celticeagle (167471)
• Boise, Idaho
2 Dec
Curiosity would my strength. I love to do deep dives on the internet and delve into my curiosities.
3 people like this
@celticeagle (167471)
• Boise, Idaho
2 Dec
@MarieCoyle .......I like to keep the brain active. I enjoy doing research.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38029)
•
2 Dec
I am very curious as well. I am always looking something up or reading about things I am curious about. Hey, it keeps the mind sharp, and a person is learning. Nothing wrong with that!
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38029)
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3 Dec
@celticeagle
I agree that it is important to keep using our brains. It's good that you found something you really enjoy doing.
1 person likes this
@luisadannointed (6285)
• Philippines
2 Dec
I want to believe that my greatest strength is to call on God specially when I am really at my lowest. And I want it that way...
2 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (103404)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
2 Dec
My strength is writing my thoughts on a journal.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38029)
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2 Dec
George, that is good that you do that. I am sure it's nice to go back and read the entries at times as well.
3 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (103404)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
2 Dec
@MarieCoyle It is nice to read my works from time to time.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (181243)
• United States
4 Dec
I think sense of humor. It has gotten me through a lot of things
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38029)
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21h
It really does help, doesn't it? I try hard to find the sunny side of things if at all possible.
@allknowing (137087)
• India
2 Dec
I do not give up easily and I think I am a good organizer.
2 people like this
@FourWalls (68447)
• United States
2 Dec
I can answer a lot of questions about music. 
I would hope that my best strength is being empathetic.
I would hope that my best strength is being empathetic.1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38029)
•
2 Dec
Music is your thing! I've learned a lot of things I didn't know from your music posts.
Empathetic, definitely. I know you can definitely add in caring, cheerful, and fun! 
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38029)
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2 Dec
I have a high tolerance as well and don’t anger easily—the exception being when I see cruelty and hate displayed for no reason by someone. Then I have a hard time, it’s just not acceptable to me.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (80238)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
2 Dec
Being positive and always determined to get the work I want to do done. Like today was my blogging Monday and I did what I set out to do,
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38029)
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3 Dec
Being positive carries us a long way in life. And determination is key to getting things done, good for you!
1 person likes this
@Fleura (30484)
• United Kingdom
2 Dec
That's an interesting question, and I think that in a lot of cases the same attribute can be both a strength and weakness. For me, I am pretty determined/stubborn. This means I won't give up until I've achieved something - but sometimes it would be better just to give up and move on. Similarly I'm quite cautious, I don't rush into things. This could be why I've reached middle age without being divorced! But on the other hand I miss out on some things because while I'm still weighing up the pros and cons, other people have already rushed in and capitalised on an opportunity.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38029)
•
2 Dec
I don't get anywhere when I just ''rush in'' as you say...sometimes, I tend to overthink things. I've been trying hard not to do that anymore...Yes, sometimes we have to change our plans and move forward. Often, it's hard to know just when the best time to do this actually is.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38029)
•
2 Dec
I struggle at times with other people being constantly negative. They often seem to dwell on the glass being half empty, and I think I try to concentrate on it being half full.
Being adaptable and adjusting easily to change is vital in today's wacky world. I'm glad for you that you have that ability!
1 person likes this
@Lutfisyakir (42)
• Indonesia
3 Dec
My greatest strength is prayer and of course with effort it is more realistic
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (179873)
• United States
2 Dec
I honestly don't know what my strengths are. I don't think I'm as strong as people give me credit for. I know I will fight for my husband to come home some day even if it's never possible. Have a good week.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38029)
•
3 Dec
We all have some strengths, for sure. Consider your life, your job, what you did for work...working for many years, you surely know what you were good at in the working world. You said you loved to cook, and you like to write. You have been a good wife. I know there are other strengths, as well.
Above all, you have advocated for your husband for a long time now, and that took a lot of strength to do.
1 person likes this
