I have to be tough in my work environment and tough in the

Hear, O seekers of strength, the words of Ciara, who declared: “I have to be tough in my work environment and tough in the world.” In these few words lies the cry of one who has walked through fire, who knows that success is not handed as a gift, but wrestled from life through resilience. This is no idle boasting, but the solemn vow of one who understands that to endure, one must clothe the spirit in armor.

The meaning is clear: the world is not always gentle, nor is the place of labor always just. To stand tall in one’s craft, to guard one’s dignity, to win respect in spaces that test and challenge—this demands toughness. Ciara does not speak of cruelty, but of strength: the resolve to keep moving when the winds of doubt blow, the will to hold ground when others seek to diminish, the courage to persist when the road is steep. In both the private sphere of work and the wide sphere of the world, this toughness is the shield that preserves the soul.

The origin of these words lies in Ciara’s own journey. Rising in the music industry, she faced not only the demands of art but the harshness of critics, the weight of expectation, and the sharp trials of business where many fall. She knew that talent alone was not enough; only discipline, only unyielding resolve, could carry her through storms. Thus she speaks from the truth of lived experience, proclaiming that toughness is not a choice, but a necessity for survival and triumph.

History too bears witness to this truth. Recall the life of Harriet Tubman, who, born into slavery, refused to bow to chains. She escaped bondage and returned time and again to lead others to freedom through the treacherous path of the Underground Railroad. In her work environment, she was surrounded by danger; in the world, she was hunted. Yet through toughness of body and toughness of spirit, she prevailed, becoming a beacon of liberty. Her life reflects the very essence of Ciara’s words: one must be unyielding to carve a path in a hostile world.

The lesson is luminous: those who wish to create, to lead, to endure, must cultivate inner toughness. Life will test you in places both great and small. Work may demand more than you thought you could give; the world may press against you with injustice or disdain. If your spirit is fragile, you will bend and break. But if you have built within yourself the steel of resilience, no storm will destroy you.

Practical wisdom follows. Strengthen your mind daily, as you strengthen the body. When hardship comes, do not flee—face it, and let it teach you. Set boundaries in your work, guard your dignity, and do not allow others to trample your worth. In the world, move with courage, knowing that every trial you endure shapes your character into something unshakable. And remember: toughness is not coldness. You may be strong without losing compassion, firm without losing kindness.

So let Ciara’s words echo in your heart: to live, you must be tough, both in labor and in life. This toughness will not rob you of joy; it will preserve your joy. It will not silence your voice; it will strengthen your voice so that it may be heard. And with that strength, you will endure where others falter, and rise where others fall.

Thus, O children of tomorrow, embrace toughness as your armor, not to harm, but to protect. For the world will test you, but with a strong spirit, you will prevail—and your story, like Ciara’s, will be sung as a testament to resilience.