For far too long you’ve carried a burden that not everyone sees. What they do see is a soul that is working hard… too hard possibly… to keep themselves and their children safe, sane, happy, and healthy. If you are tired of being strong, you’re not alone.
If anything, surrounding you are people who can relate but oftentimes are in the same pace and flow as you are and not going to let that mask fall off.
I GET IT.
Each day you have to keep putting one foot in front of the other while also doing the best you can for those you’re caring for or your workplace or anyone that depends on you.
What if that mask slips?
SURVIVAL
There is a loss that isn’t often spoken of, and I can relate as a mother, a daughter, a wife… as a HUMAN.
The loss of being the “you” that could have been.
Every day you show up, but like in my story, you didn’t know you live a life of abuse your ENTIRE life. (see Life Updates HERE)
That means you sacrificed yourself for the good of everyone else.
Instead of laughter in your eyes, there was an innate fear of not being enough.
You wanted to say yes to YOU but often it came as no because of commitment to pouring yourself into others.
In that moment you didn’t know what was slowly slipping away from you is YOU, your person.
You grieve the carefree self you once knew while at the same time put on a smile in order to portray strength.
Attachment is at the core instead of what should be… authenticity.
The world sees you as strong AND YOU ARE.
But that doesn’t mean you don’t ache for the deepest love and support instead of pleading and begging for someone, anyone to notice.
God notices.
He sees you walking through fire and how you keep going despite what others have stolen from you.
Every tear, every heartache He feels.
YOU ARE ENOUGH.
HEALING
There is hope.
Each waking moment, each step we take, we choose who we are letting affect us – both good and bad.
It takes time to unlearn putting yourself last. And by putting yourself first does not take away from who you are able to be for others.
It just means that you are now taking care of YOU which will ripple effect into being the best on all fronts.
Does that feel good all the time?
Absolutely not.
Your abuse training makes you uncomfortable with self-love. It’s a new feeling for you.
When you’re tired of being strong you are ready to grasp hold of your true self and that shows insurmountable STRENGTH.
“to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair. And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the Lord, to glorify Him.” ~ Isaiah 61:3
TOMORROW
As you begin your day ask yourself what you want, truly want.
Maybe it’s to begin with peace in your heart.
Choose to look yourself in the mirror and say, “I am ENOUGH”.
You deserve it.
Your worth is not based on how others feel or what goals you accomplish.
It’s knowing that no matter what, YOU choose how you want to show up. YOU choose what brings you joy.
SCREAM it if you have to.
Allow yourself time to work with the ebb and flow so that the tsunami of grief becomes a ripple.
YOU ARE LOVED.
And be ready.
Your awakening causes upheaval in people.
They won’t like that you’re healing.
LET THEM.
You will then learn who is really for you and who is against you.
I repeat, you deserve it.
Sadly, there will a price to pay for healing your deep wounds.
The people that loved your silence will despise your voice.
Those jokes that are meant to barb, you stop laughing at.
You stop pretending you’re okay when you’re not.
That old role is gone and that causes loss – of family, of “friends”, or those who want a small you.
It exposes what isn’t healed in themselves and causes them to face their own reflection in the mirror.
IT’S UNCOMFORTABLE.
Though it will lead to freedom.
SHARE
You matter to me, and you are why I’m here. Can you relate to this? Leave a comment below and know that I’m easy to reach via email. Likewise, let’s share this good news with others.
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Larissa….I can not tell you how much I needed to read this post today. This hit to close to my heart….. so tired of being strong! I hope I can do what you suggest without feeling guilty lol. Thank you. I really am inspired by you and your posts.
My heart goes out to you, Margaret. I get the guilt too! And, most likely, will deal with it the rest of my life. At least, now I know why I feel that way and can let myself be me. I’m praying over you. {{HUGS}}
❤️
Writing for those that need to be heard. 🫶
People say to me, “you are so strong”. I say “ no God is.” What ever I survived, God was my lamppost, my road, my support, Everything.
Someday I will be told the reason I was not granted “normal”.Till then I just try to keep focused on the path He put me on.
Good on ya. And you are so right. We will know someday, and He has been my only. It’s not always easy and He’s always there.
Amen to every word in this post and the timing couldn’t have been better. Strength is waning, authenticity is strengthening…despite the losses.. Thank You 🙏🏻
It is a difficult transition and I know I want to be someone who shares from the journey with a few years on the road to healing. I know you and I both are being made new, Marie.
“Your worth is not based on how others feel or what goals you accomplish.“ I love this! I really put this on myself… crazy expectations and what I think people are thinking about me. I am working on me!
Right? It hits home. And you’re not alone, Katie. You are gold in God’s eyes and amazing enough to be YOU. Hugs!!