Find Your Inner Strengths

Julie de Azevedo Hanks highlights three women who have quiet strengths which have inspired her, and how she finds inner strength through songwriting.

Find Your Quiet Strength

When you hear the word “strength” you likely think of traits or characteristics that are easily visible to others. But each of us also has “quiet” strengths that are demonstrated in your relationships interactions, and in who you are. These quiet strengths might be empathy, being a good listener, making others feel important, spirituality, and more.

I’m continually inspired by the inner strengths of many women that I meet with in my counseling practice, and in workshops, who are dealing with difficult life situations: the loss of a child, marital distress, debilitating depression, chronic illness, and more. They face difficult life situations with courage and strive to move beyond their current situation.

One of my own quiet strengths is the ability to reflect on my inner life and on my relationships and express my experience through songs. I gain much inspiration for themes and lyrics from my important relationships and life experiences.

Three women in particular have inspired me with their quiet strengths of self- acceptance, emotional depth, and consistent support.

1-Self-acceptance

I have known Sara White for over 15 years and have been inspired by her strength of self-acceptance. Now well into her 90’s, Sara continues to enjoy her family and friends and exudes an inner beauty that is evident to all who know her. Through difficult life experiences Sara has grown in beauty and grace. The years have been a friend to her.

God’s Signature (lyric excerpt, written by Julie de Azevedo)

These lines are signs of many lessons learned

Carved out through time

Smiles that warm and tears that burn

And unexpected turns

Time has been my friend it seems

So let Him write on me

You can call me flawed

You can call it character

But I choose to call these changes

God’s signature

Maybe it’s part of His design

That our landscape shifts with time

And youth is just a blur

Maybe it’s part of His design

And letting go of pride

It’s proof that we’re alive…

2-Emotional Depth

Melodie Williams, a long-time friend and mentor has inspired me with her unique emotional depth and thoughtfulness about life. Always an optimist, Melodie has encouraged me to seek continual growth in my emotional and spiritual life while maintaining a hopeful outlook. As a professional painter, her depth is expressed beautifully in her artwork. To learn more about Melodie’s art visit www.melodiewilliamsart.com.

Dive Deep (lyric excerpt, written by Julie de Azevedo)

Dive deep into this ocean

Brave uncharted sea

You’ll never own me

If you want to hold me

Dive deep

Dive deep into this ocean

Cradle any jewel

Swim with the lover

Dance with the mother

Kiss the wife

And laugh with the girl

3-Consistent Support
My mother, Linda de Azevedo , dedicated her life to raising nine children. It wasn’t until I became a mother that my appreciation for her deepened as I realized the impact of her constant support throughout my life. I wrote this song “Angels” as a tribute to her life. Still, she continues to be a source of support to me and my family generously offering praise, encouragement, and practical help whenever possible. Soon after this segment airs, she will be the first to call or send a text cheering me on.

Angels (lyrics excerpt, written by Julie de Azevedo)

She was a girl just a young girl at nineteen

When she left behind her the life she had known

Got all dressed up in white

Oh to be a new bride

And set out to make a house a home

When she found herself she was drowning in laundry

Up all the night and driving all day

And every few years she would come up for air

In between lessons, carpool, and PTA

But the angels they carried her

Through the fire and the rain

And the angels they carried her

From the end of her rope to the end of her day

And the angels, they sang to her

So she know someone was there

She had wings and prayers

Looking back it’s clear

She was touching heaven all those years…

Julie’s new CD “Masterpiece: The Best of Julie de Azevedo” is available at Deseret Book.

Visit www.juliehanks.com for more information about Julie’s music and inspiration on how to let your best self shine!