Hey there friends, I want to share something that has been on my mind lately. Recently I've noticed that I am being told how resilient I am, and it doesn't really feel like it's a compliment.
It's not because I don't appreciate the sentiment, but because it can sometimes undermine the challenges I have faced and the emotional toll they have taken on me and I simply haven't had a choice but to keep going.
Life has thrown some tough situations my way, and In these times I have had to summon every ounce of strength within me to show up for myself. I've weathered storms that threatened to shake the very foundation of my existence. The truth is, resilience isn't just a fancy word to describe my ability to overcome adversity. It's a testament to my determination and will to survive, even when my heart has been breaking and it felt like the world was crumbling around me.
But here's the thing: resilience comes at a cost. It can sometimes mask the pain I carry within and dismiss the emotional weight I've been shouldering throughout my journey. It can make it seem like I've effortlessly brushed off every setback, when in reality, it has at times taken every ounce of my being to keep moving forward.
So yes, I am resilient, but I'm also human.
When I reflect on my resilience journey, I realise that at times the alternative to being resilient would have been simply not being here anymore, and that just couldn't be an option for me.
Despite the recent hardships I've faced, I am still determined to create a life that I love.
And do you know what I've learned along the way? That hyper-independence, that tendency to rely solely on myself, is often rooted in trauma response. It may have served as a survival mechanism at one point, but it's not the only path towards healing.
Resilience doesn't mean I have to face everything alone. Despite recent life events showing me that not everyone in my life has my best interests at heart, there have also been others that have shown me I can lean on them for support and allow myself to be vulnerable, and this reminds me that vulnerability is true strength in disguise.
So how do we reclaim resilience as something empowering rather than dismissive? It starts with honoring our experiences and recognising the strength it takes to navigate through life's trials and tribulations. It means acknowledging that while resilience is a remarkable quality, it doesn't define us solely. We are multifaceted beings with a range of emotions, and it's okay to embrace our vulnerability along with our resilience.
Let's redefine strength together, my friend. Embrace your resilience, celebrate your victories, and honor the moments when life feels a little too heavy. Remember that true self-care isn't just about taking bubble baths and having a good skincare routine (although those are great too! ) It's about being gentle with ourselves, seeking support when needed, and allowing our hearts to heal.
In this journey called life, being resilient doesn't mean we have to do it all on our own. It means acknowledging our strength while embracing our vulnerabilities. So if you are ready to be part of a community working towards self-care join us in The Self-Care Club and let's celebrate our resilience, support one another, and continue to shine through it all! You are stronger than you'll ever know, my dear friend.
Keep thriving, keep growing, and always remember that you are never alone on this path of self-care and self-discovery! I'm cheering you on every step of the way! 💖✨
Sarah
