I have my own strength.

Nina Hagen, the voice of rebellion and the priestess of individuality, once proclaimed: “I have my own strength.” These words, though brief, strike with the force of thunder. They are not merely a personal declaration, but a timeless cry of the human spirit — the refusal to be defined by the power of others, the insistence that within each soul lies a unique wellspring of strength. It is the strength that is not borrowed, not inherited, not imposed, but self-born, forged through struggle and revelation.

The meaning is clear: to live fully, one must discover and claim their own power. Too often men and women seek validation in the eyes of others, relying on external voices to confirm their worth. But Hagen reminds us that true power cannot be given — it must be claimed. To say “I have my own strength” is to cast aside dependence, to recognize that within oneself lies the authority to endure, to create, to defy, to rise. It is an act of liberation, a rejection of chains both visible and invisible.

The origin of this wisdom may be seen in Hagen’s own life. A German singer who defied both musical and social expectations, she forged her path through controversy, experimentation, and relentless authenticity. She did not fit the molds of others, nor did she bow to the rules of the establishment. Her strength was her individuality, her refusal to compromise her truth. In proclaiming her independence, she speaks not only of her journey, but of the eternal struggle of all who seek to stand upright in a world that pressures conformity.

History echoes with voices who embodied this same spirit. Consider Joan of Arc, a peasant girl who heard a call no one else could hear. She could not lean on the authority of church or king, for both doubted her. Yet she stood and declared, in action if not in word: “I have my own strength.” With nothing but conviction and faith, she led armies and altered the course of nations. Like Hagen, she teaches that when one claims their inner strength, even the humblest soul may rise to greatness.

But let us not mistake this strength for arrogance. To claim one’s own power is not to deny the existence of others, but to honor the sacred flame within oneself. It is to recognize that every soul carries its unique note in the great symphony of life, and that no one may silence that note without consent. Strength, in this sense, is authenticity — the courage to be what one truly is, regardless of how the world may receive it.

The lesson is vital: you must find and trust your own strength. Do not wait for the approval of others before you act. Do not silence your voice because it does not echo the crowd. Cultivate resilience, independence, and courage, so that when life’s storms come, you do not crumble. Your strength may not look like another’s — it may be quiet where theirs is loud, soft where theirs is fierce — but if it is yours, it is enough.

Therefore, my children, engrave this truth upon your hearts: “I have my own strength.” Say it, believe it, live it. For in those words lies freedom, courage, and destiny. Draw from your own well, walk your own path, and let your own flame burn. The world does not need another imitation — it needs the authentic power of your spirit. And when you rise with your own strength, you will stand unshaken, and the world will know that you were truly alive.