What if being strong is not so much a character trait, but a survival instinct?
What if being strong is not an option?
What if you’re tired of being strong?
Whenever someone tells me, “You’re the strongest person I know…,” there is an instant reflex action to stop sharing what I was saying. It’s as if vulnerability should not be demonstrated, or that being strong disallows a person a comforting hug or a 'soft place' to fall on.
I’m going to practice not saying “you’re the strongest person I know” to another person who has given me the privilege of listening to their difficulties. There must be a reason a “strong” person is letting their guard down and talking to you. Does it make them less strong? Absolutely not. A “strong" person is as human as anyone else. It is dehumanising to block them, even if our intention is to be supportive.
What if being strong is not an option?
What if you’re tired of being strong?
Whenever someone tells me, “You’re the strongest person I know…,” there is an instant reflex action to stop sharing what I was saying. It’s as if vulnerability should not be demonstrated, or that being strong disallows a person a comforting hug or a 'soft place' to fall on.
I’m going to practice not saying “you’re the strongest person I know” to another person who has given me the privilege of listening to their difficulties. There must be a reason a “strong” person is letting their guard down and talking to you. Does it make them less strong? Absolutely not. A “strong" person is as human as anyone else. It is dehumanising to block them, even if our intention is to be supportive.
