Blessings is a study of personal growth through physical growth. How do we determine what strength is? What does it mean for women to be strong, powerful or fierce? Does it involve big muscles, business suits, high heels, lipstick? Why is it that “girl power” has to be a catchphrase, and that it’s got to be sassy?

I don’t know the answers to any of those questions. I just know that when I was in my early 20s, I took up karate. First it made me stronger –physically–and eventually I realized it made me stronger in every other way. I know people, lots of them women, who have had the same experience in some other outlet: dance, yoga, music, swimming, boxing, running, Pilates, even having a baby.