Finding Strength in our Inner Core

At its core, the teddy bear is not considered intimidating. It is small, fluffy, and cuddly. It’s not considered to be a hero, or an action figure. Its only purpose is to be cute. Nobody expects it to provide anything but smiles and hugs.

However, the little guy in the image above seems to have a tough side. He is wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and sunglasses. Also, he has a tattoo. His arms are crossed in a belligerent manner as if to say, “I’ve got it going on!” There’s more to this cuddly character than meets the eye. I don’t think that I’d want to mess with him.

At first glance, some of the rest of us may appear to be underachievers. People may assume that we’re not worthy of respect in certain areas. They may look at our outward appearance, or our background, and mistakenly assume that they can impose their will on us. We’re stronger than that!

A Famous Example of Strength

Teddy Roosevelt--was the 26^th President of the United States. He overcame many obstacles in his lifetime. This young man born into privilege had to push through medical trials and career challenges. According to the History Channel miniseries, The Men Who Built America, Roosevelt wasn’t easily bullied: Roosevelt was vice-president to William McKinley. As Vice-President, Roosevelt slid right into the office of President after McKinley was assassinated.

The 25^th President had promised privileges to some of the mega industrialists. The position of vice-president is not a position of power, and these men assumed that Roosevelt would be content to continue to operate without supremacy as President. John D. Rockefeller and others attempted to manipulate him into acceding to their unfair wishes, but Roosevelt refused. He intended to break the stranglehold these men had on their industries.

But, Wait, There’s More!

I learned more interesting facts about this iconic man on an episode of the History 2 channel show,  The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents:

• He signed over 1,000 executive orders—more than any other president. Many of them dealt with the important topic of conservation.
• He ensured the protection of what we now know as America’s national parks.
• He was responsible for sweeping social legislation to ease the burdens of the lower classes.
• His catapulted the country into a position of world leadership for the first time.

It’s rumored that the teddy bear was named after Roosevelt. I say, never judge a book by its cover--whether it’s a darling children’s toy, or a sickly upper-class young man.

My Conclusion

We might seem “cute and cuddly”, or ineffectual, in certain ways. However, some of us are built of steel on the inside. That’s why we do not have to be defined by our perceived limitations. Many people are successful in shattering boundaries daily, as evidenced by the life of Teddy Roosevelt.

We are unique, evolving creatures, and that’s the way it should be. We have a power inside of us that cannot be denied by aggressors.

What steel resides in you?