Find Your Inner Strength: Studio 5
Find Your Inner Strength
When you hear the word "strength" you likely think of traits or characteristics that are easily visible to others. But you also have "quiet" strengths that are demonstrated in your relationships interactions, and in who you are. These quiet strengths might be empathy, being a good listener, making others feel important, spirituality, and more.I'm continually inspired by the inner strengths of many women that I meet with in my counseling practice, and in workshops, who are dealing with difficult life situations: the loss of a child, marital distress, debilitating depression, chronic illness, and more. They face difficult life situations with courage and strive to move beyond their current situation.One of my own quiet strengths is the ability to reflect on my inner life and on my relationships and express my experience through songs. I gain much inspiration for themes and lyrics from my important relationships and life experiences.Three women in particular have inspired me with their quiet strengths of self- acceptance, emotional depth, and consistent support.
1-Self-acceptance
I have known Sara White for over 15 years and have been inspired by her strength of self-acceptance. Now well into her 90's, Sara continues to enjoy her family and friends and exudes an inner beauty that is evident to all who know her. Through difficult life experiences Sara has grown in beauty and grace. The years have been a friend to her.
God's Signature
(lyric excerpt, written by Julie de Azevedo)These lines are signs of many lessons learnedCarved out through timeSmiles that warm and tears that burnAnd unexpected turnsTime has been my friend it seemsSo let Him write on meYou can call me flawedYou can call it characterBut I choose to call these changesGod's signatureMaybe it's part of His designThat our landscape shifts with timeAnd youth is just a blurMaybe it's part of His designAnd letting go of prideIt's proof that we're alive…
2-Emotional Depth
Melodie Williams, a long-time friend and mentor has inspired me with her unique emotional depth and thoughtfulness about life. Always an optimist, Melodie has encouraged me to seek continual growth in my emotional and spiritual life while maintaining a hopeful outlook. As a professional painter, her depth is expressed beautifully in her artwork. To learn more about Melodie's art visit www.melodiewilliamsart.com.
Dive Deep (lyric excerpt, written by Julie de Azevedo)Dive deep into this oceanBrave uncharted seaYou'll never own meIf you want to hold meDive deepDive deep into this oceanCradle any jewelSwim with the loverDance with the motherKiss the wifeAnd laugh with the girl
3-Consistent Support
My mother, Linda de Azevedo , dedicated her life to raising nine children. It wasn't until I became a mother that my appreciation for her deepened as I realized the impact of her constant support throughout my life. I wrote this song "Angels" as a tribute to her life. Still, she continues to be a source of support to me and my family generously offering praise, encouragement, and practical help whenever possible. Soon after this segment airs, she will be the first to call or send a text cheering me on.
Angels
(lyrics excerpt, written by Julie de Azevedo)She was a girl just a young girl at nineteenWhen she left behind her the life she had knownGot all dressed up in whiteOh to be a new brideAnd set out to make a house a homeWhen she found herself she was drowning in laundryUp all the night and driving all dayAnd every few years she would come up for airIn between lessons, carpool, and PTABut the angels they carried herThrough the fire and the rainAnd the angels they carried herFrom the end of her rope to the end of her dayAnd the angels, they sang to herSo she know someone was thereShe had wings and prayersLooking back it's clearShe was touching heaven all those years…
My new CD "Masterpiece: The Best of Julie de Azevedo" is available at Deseret Book.