The Upside Down: How Weakness IS the Strength

In this summary from one of our Collective Cafe "Wellness Wednesday" sessions, we explore the concept of "the upside down" as a means to reevaluate and redefine our values, priorities, and perception of weakness in relation to mental health and wellness. Drawing inspiration from Stranger Things, we delve into a world where our perceived weaknesses can, in fact, be our greatest strengths.

The mental health conversation has evolved over the years. Children who were once considered "hyperactive" and treated with Ritalin are now understood to have ADHD. While debates continue over the reliance on medication, the increasing normalization of mental health discussions has brought greater acceptance and understanding.

In this upside-down world, our priorities may be backward, and the things we once valued may not hold the same importance. We often prioritize wealth, status, ego, and external validation, but true value lies in self-worth, self-love, and acceptance. By reevaluating our values and embracing our perceived weaknesses, we find strength.

Vulnerability, once considered a weakness, is now seen as a strength. For example, admitting we're sorry or showing emotion is no longer a sign of weakness, but rather an empowering and attractive quality. In fact, listening to others, especially our partners and loved ones, can lead to growth and stronger relationships.

The ability to adapt, evolve, and continue innovating is the true strength in this new world. Experimenting, learning, and trying new things often means venturing out of our comfort zones and embracing potential failure. While this may feel uncomfortable, the ability to persevere and evolve is a powerful asset.

A powerful example of this mindset is the tweet from DeGods founder, Frank, which states, "We tried some shit. We learned some shit. Now we're trying some new shit." This approach encourages constant experimentation, learning, and adapting, even if it means potential failure.

Embracing the upside-down means taking risks and trying new things despite the possibility of embarrassment or ridicule. Those who laugh at us may eventually laugh with us, as they recognize the courage it takes to attempt the unknown. Instead of focusing on what others think, we should value our own personal growth and experiences.

By reevaluating our values and recognizing the strength in perceived weaknesses, we gain the power to keep going, try new things, and evolve. Money and success will always play a role in our lives, but they should not be our primary motivators. True happiness and fulfillment come from self-worth, love, and acceptance.

Strength in Vulnerability

Just as a bodybuilder finds strength through their physique, their weakness lies in pushing beyond their limits, and facing the fear of – or inevitable experience of an injury after pushing too hard. This may result in inactivity, physical deterioration, which can further lead to depression. But what when the individual develops resilience, perseverance, and determination from the experience, or the empowerment, fulfillment and actualization from sharing their experience, inspiring and mentoring others (from making that same mistake!)

In this case and hypothetical example, embracing the weakness has led to personal growth and an expansion of skills - the bodybuilder may now become a motivational speaker, life coach, or advocate for mental health. By acknowledging the weak moments in our lives and embracing vulnerability, we can find strength, resilience, and the ability to evolve.

The Strength in Listening, Admitting Mistakes, and Failing

The act of admitting when you're wrong, listening to others, and embracing the inevitability of making mistakes is another weakness that is in actual fact, a strength. When we give ourselves permission to fail, we create a culture that encourages growth, learning, and the ability to try new things.

However, it's crucial not to mistake permission to fail with a lack of effort or motivation. Instead, it means acknowledging that failures may happen, but being determined to learn and adapt in the face of adversity.

Finding the Right Time to Move Forward

Knowing when it's time to change direction or let go of something is a powerful skill. Sometimes, the right decision is simply making the decision, regardless of which path you choose. Indecision can be a virus that consumes you, while taking action allows you to grow and learn.

In life, making decisions can feel like the weight of the world on our shoulders, but often, the right decision can bring relief and clarity. Sometimes, the real strength lies in acknowledging that a particular path is over and having the courage to walk away and try new things.

Don’t Fear Vulnerability, Embrace it

The survival instinct is based on self-preservation and adaptation, with the former fueled by pain and fear. These two components are often considered weaknesses, but they are also powerful motivators. If we can harness our fear and pain without letting them control us, they can become the springboard for overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness.

History's most remarkable individuals often faced adversity, failure, and weakness. It is not about turning the weakness into strength, but rather recognizing that the weakness itself is the strength. Conditions such as ADHD and dyslexia can contribute to one's unique abilities and character, without needing to be "fixed" or "solved."

The importance of embracing our weaknesses is highlighted by the analogy of a boxer in a match. Battling through fear and pain, a fighter may be battered and bruised, but they keep going, making it to the next round, and potentially winning. It is the will to stay in the game that drives us to achieve our goals.

Understanding that everything in life is a choice is empowering. Our ability to make decisions, be accountable for them, and adapt is essential for growth. Embracing imperfection and discomfort can lead to greater progress and success than aiming for unattainable perfection.

Summary:

The upside-down perspective asks us to reevaluate our priorities and reclaim weakness not just as a source of strength, but strength itself. Recognizing that vulnerability, adaptation, and the ability to embrace the unknown are powerful assets allows us to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. By turning our values upside down, we can gain new insight into what truly matters and how to harness the power of our weaknesses.

The journey toward mental health and wellness is about celebrating the process rather than the destination. It's about adapting, trying new things, and finding strength in our perceived weaknesses. This mindset empowers us to continue moving forward and growing, making the most of life's challenges and opportunities.

Loving the process, embracing our weaknesses, and recognizing them as a source of uniqueness can push us towards greatness. By practicing vulnerability and sharing our experiences, we can support each other on this journey of self-discovery and growth. Embracing our imperfections and discomfort, our weaknesses can become the foundation of our originality and strength, propelling us forward in life.

If you'd like to listen to this particular episode, please subscribe to the Collective Cafe to Go (the podcast version of our morning virtual coffee sessions) and look for "The Upside Down" on Wednesday, April 19th (episode 51)

You can also attend, listen and participate LIVE, Monday-Friday from 8-9am EST in our discord .

PS Inspiration drawn from David Rendall and his appearance on my show.