Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the phrase “quiet strength.” It is a longing that keeps returning—a desire to live with grace, purpose, and peace in a world that often feels loud, chaotic, and uncertain.
For many women I speak to, quiet strength isn’t about being perfection. It’s about being anchored—in truth, in faith, in a resilience that doesn’t shout but simply is.
Part 1: What Quiet Strength Is Not
Quiet strength isn’t about pretending to be calm when you’re overwhelmed inside, or having a perfectly organized life.
For example, for me, quiet strength is not having a cluttered desk, piles of papers, and too many open tabs—physically and mentally. When my space is chaotic, my mind often is too. That is not a strength; that’s survival mode. Sometimes, I’ve mistaken pushing through the noise for resilience. But real strength isn’t found in the mess—it’s in the ability to pause, reset, and come back to center.
Common Misconceptions:
- Quiet strength is not perfectionism.
- It is not about staying silent when something matters.
- It is not about doing everything alone or always holding it together
- It’s not pushing through clutter—physical or emotional—without checking in with yourself.
“Quiet strength is not about pretending you’re fine or holding it all together. It’s about being honest, grounded, and anchored in truth—even when your desk (or your life) is a little messy.”
Quiet strength doesn’t mean you never fall behind. It means you return—gently—to what matters.
Part 2: What Quiet Strength Is
Quiet strength doesn’t always shout—it whispers through daily rhythms, quiet rituals, and small choices that shape a meaningful life.
Here’s how I live it out in my everyday routines:
- Morning prayer, to ground myself in faith before the day begins
- Journaling—gratitude lists, affirmations, or simply clearing mental space
- Moving my body—through workouts, walks, or stretching, to reconnect with myself
- Decorating my space for each season—cozy touches that bring beauty and comfort into my home
- Savoring rituals—like making my coffee slowly, planning my week, or doing my evening skincare routine
Quiet strength is choosing peace over pressure, saying no without guilt, and showing up consistently—even if quietly.
“Quiet strength is not in the loud wins. It’s in the quiet ways we stay true to ourselves, even when no one else is watching.“
Quiet Strength in My Life
I don’t just think about quiet strength. I try to practice it every day, in both my habits and how I show up in the world.
It shows up in the way I build routines and the way I stay rooted in what matters most. I write down my goals across all areas of life and review them weekly and monthly. I practice self-discipline by working out three times a week, staying hydrated, and journaling regularly. I also nurture two or three meaningful connections for weekly check-ins and intentional conversations—a quiet but powerful way to stay grounded.
Quiet strength also means knowing my values and allowing myself space to explore what aligns with them. I give myself permission to try new things—whether it’s joining a club, testing a business idea, or volunteering—and if something resonates, I build on it.
I express myself through writing, designing, and connecting with others—whether through blogging or social media. I also make space for joy in the simple things: running, golfing, Pilates, brunches, wine tastings, shopping, or rituals like skincare, nails, makeup, or massages. These aren’t just hobbies—they’re small acts of presence, reminders of who I am and what makes me feel most like myself.
I’d describe my style as classy, preppy, and feminine. I hold traditional values close—especially my faith, my family, and the traditions that anchor me. I feel confident in who I am, both personally and professionally.
To me, that’s what quiet strength looks like — living intentionally, showing up authentically, and building a life that reflects what I value most.
Putting Quiet Strength into Action: My Journey
For me, quiet strength meant learning to put myself out there, even when the path wasn’t clear or easy. My dad always encouraged me to go to college and get a job for a better life, so I pushed myself to earn a second bachelor’s degree in communications.
Through the Workforce Recruitment Program, I landed my first federal job as an editorial assistant at the U.S. Geological Survey. It wasn’t exactly my passion, but it was a start—and I chose to treat it as a stepping stone..
While there, I took quiet but intentional steps to grow. I scheduled informational interviews, shadowed professionals in different roles, and created side projects like a QuickTime timekeeping system and mock editorial workflow tools in Excel. There wasn’t flashy accomplishments, but they were meaningful. I was building something, even in the background.
That’s how I learned quiet strength in action: showing up, learning as I go, and creating momentum even when I felt unsure or overlooked. It didn’t always feel bold—but it was brave.
Quiet Strength in Action
My quiet strength shows up in the rhythms and routines I build to stay connected to peace and purpose. For example:
- Morning prayer to start the day with intention
- Journaling to express gratitude, reflect, and realign
- Workouts that energize my body and mind
- Embracing the seasons—spring flowers, fall leaves, or winter snow—as reminders to slow down and savor life
- Decorating my home for every season with care and intention
Quiet strength is saying yes to what matters, and no without guilt. It’s choosing to be rooted, not reactive. It’s not easy—but it’s worth it.
3-5 Ways to Cultivate Quiet Strength:
Here are some gentle practices:
- Morning prayer
- Letting go of the need to “prove” your worth
- Embracing the seasonal rhythms
- Making space for silence and reflection
- Decorating your home with intention
Quiet strength isn’t loud, but it’s deeply felt. It’s the candle lit in the dark, the steady breath in the storm, the gentle “yes” to what matters most. It’s choosing presence over pressure, grace over hustle, and truth over noise.
May we continue to cultivate this strength—in our homes, our hearts, and our daily rhythms.
What does quiet strength look like in your life today?
I’d love to hear — feel free to reflect in the comments or journal about it this week.
With love,
Skylar