Women of all ages can find it difficult to accept themselves as they are, warts and blemishes included.
Kate Upton, a model, actress, and mother of one, has encouraged others to “share” why they are “strong” using the hashtag ShareStrong. She revealed that she wants to be a strong role model for her daughter Genevieve, who is less than an year old, so that she can feel ‘comfortable radiating strength, power, and confidence’.
Her Instagram post, which was divided into three parts, received more than 500,000 total views and more than 11,000.
Explaining what motivated her to start the campaign, the 27-year-old star of movies including The Other Woman wrote, ”Through my own personal experiences and my fitness program@strong4mefit, I’ve met and spoken with some incredibly strong women.
‘I want people to be able to open up the conversation. I want them to have a place to share their struggles and strengths. That’s why ShareStrong was created – a place where we can all join in the conversation, empower each other, and radiate positive energy. I want to hear what YOU have to say! Use the hashtag ShareStrong to join the conversation and share what makes YOU strong. I’m excited to hear from you.
Scores of fans commented, praising this initiative and sharing personal stories.
One person wrote: “I’m strong for both my husband and kids.” To be the partner, parent and child God made me to become.
A second person added: “I’m strong because of my son.” I am a single mother in my early 30s with stage 3 Neurologically Lyme Disease. I try to make every day count for him. I’m strong, even when it feels like it’s too hard, because my little boy doesn’t deserve less than a mother who tries her hardest.
Another said, ‘My grandchildren motivate me to eat right and exercise sharestrong.
A fourth wrote: ‘My daughter was my sharestrong inspiration too. My daughter was born 27 weeks early and fought through. She is now 9 years old and a strong, vivacious young girl who keeps everyone in line with her wit.
ShareStrong has been used on Instagram more than 1,400 time. Below are 40+ women who have revealed what motivates them each day to stay strong.
What is your favorite message and what story would you tell of strength?