From a young age, I felt like I was supposed to be the sort of

"From a young age, I felt like I was supposed to be the sort of female who is doing something strong." – AJ Lee

In the journey of life, the call to strength is often deeply ingrained within us, even from the earliest moments of existence. AJ Lee, a modern athlete and icon, speaks of an internal knowing—a feeling that from a very young age, she was destined to be strong. This strength was not merely physical but a deeper, more profound kind of resilience, one that reflects the essence of character and purpose. For Lee, the desire to be strong was not a choice but a calling—a guiding force that shaped her path, pushing her to become the woman she knew she was meant to be. This speaks to a universal truth: that every individual, regardless of gender, feels an intrinsic pull toward power and purpose, something greater than the self.

The concept of strength in the face of adversity is as old as human history itself. The ancient Greeks revered strength—not only in the body but in the mind and soul. Consider Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare, who embodied the balance between courage and intellect. Athena was the warrior who fought with strategy and purpose, not driven by brute force, but by the wisdom to know when to act and how to guide others toward victory. Her strength was not just a physical trait but a reflection of her ability to lead, to protect, and to inspire. Like Athena, AJ Lee’s calling was not simply to demonstrate physical power, but to embody a force of will that led others through example.

The notion of strong women who forge their own paths is a recurring theme throughout the ages. Take the story of Joan of Arc, the young French peasant girl who led an army to victory and was later martyred for her courage and vision. Though she was only a teenager when she took on the mantle of leadership, Joan’s strength was undeniable. She did not fit the conventional mold of what a woman could or should be. Instead, she exemplified the profound truth that true strength is not defined by societal expectations, but by one’s ability to rise above challenges and fulfill a greater purpose. Joan, much like AJ Lee, broke boundaries and demonstrated that strength is about action and willpower, not merely conforming to traditional roles.

In the same way, AJ Lee’s sense of strength was not only about physical capability but about the mental and emotional fortitude needed to overcome obstacles. As a female athlete, she faced a world that often did not believe in the power and potential of women. Yet, despite the odds, she rose to prominence, showing that strength is found not just in the body, but in the spirit to challenge societal norms and blaze a trail for others. Lee’s personal journey reflects the timeless wisdom of the ancient warrior who does not fight for fame or glory, but for a deeper purpose—to show that every person has the capacity for extraordinary strength, even when the world may not recognize it at first.

The philosophers of antiquity understood that strength was an inner force—Plato and Aristotle both spoke of the need for individuals to cultivate virtue and resolve, particularly in the face of hardship. For Aristotle, the highest form of strength was the strength of character—the ability to act morally and justly despite the challenges one faced. This mirrors the inner strength that Lee describes—an innate desire to rise above external circumstances and be true to one’s self, regardless of the limitations imposed by society. It is this moral strength that propels individuals like Lee and others throughout history to challenge the status quo and prove that their worth cannot be measured by traditional standards.

The lesson to be drawn from AJ Lee’s reflection is this: strength is not a singular trait, nor is it confined to one’s physical form. It is the courage to pursue what we know to be true, even when others may doubt us, and the willpower to forge our own path. Whether we are male or female, young or old, the true measure of strength lies in our ability to overcome doubt, to face challenges, and to never lose sight of our purpose. Just as Athena led with both wisdom and courage, and Joan of Arc defied expectations with unwavering resolve, we, too, are called to embrace the strength within us—the strength of character, purpose, and determination that will guide us toward greatness.

In practical terms, this means we must nurture our own sense of strength, recognizing that true power comes not from external validation, but from within. Let us seek knowledge, courage, and resilience, and act upon these virtues every day. Whether we are pursuing a career, raising a family, or fighting for justice, the key to strength lies not just in how we appear to others, but in how we live according to our own values and purpose. By doing so, we honor the ancient wisdom of those who came before us and embrace the challenge of being the strongest version of ourselves, just as AJ Lee did in her journey.