The Exhaustion of Always Being Strong

☕ Coffee on the Rabbit Trail | Off Topic, On Purpose Blog Series

Post 24: “The Exhaustion of Always Being Strong”

People see you as dependable.
They say you’re steady, reliable, tough.
The one who doesn’t crumble.
The one who always has it together.
The one who keeps showing up no matter what.

And you do.
You are strong.

But here’s the part no one sees:
being strong is exhausting.

It means holding back tears so others won’t worry.
It means pushing through pain because someone has to.
It means carrying loads that feel heavier than anyone realizes.
It means being the one who listens, encourages, and supports — while silently wondering if anyone would do the same for you.

Sometimes strength looks like survival.
Sometimes it looks like smiling when you want to collapse.
Sometimes it looks like silence, because saying “I’m not okay” feels impossible.

If that’s you, I want to tell you something:

💛 It’s okay to not be strong all the time.
💛 It’s okay to rest.
💛 It’s okay to say “this is too much.”
💛 It’s okay to need someone else’s shoulders for once.

Your worth isn’t measured by how much you can carry.
Your value doesn’t disappear when you’re tired.
And your strength isn’t lessened by admitting you need help.

Even the strongest trees bend.
Even the brightest lights need to be recharged.
Even you — especially you — deserve gentleness, care, and rest.

So let yourself breathe.
Let yourself cry.
Let yourself be held.

You don’t have to prove your strength anymore.
Just being here, still standing, is proof enough.