You Don't Need to Pretend You're Fine All the Time

One of the most exhausting things a person can do is pretend.

Pretend they're okay.

Pretend they're not worried.

Pretend they're not sad.

Pretend that scoliosis doesn't bother them.

For a little while, pretending can seem easier.

You don't have to answer questions.

You don't have to explain yourself.

You don't have to let anyone know what you're really feeling.

The problem is that pretending takes energy.

A lot of energy.

When you spend all your time convincing other people you're fine, you often end up feeling more alone.

Not because nobody cares.

Because nobody knows.

People cannot support feelings they never get a chance to see.

That doesn't mean you need to tell everyone everything.

You don't.

Privacy is healthy.

Boundaries are healthy.

But having at least one person you can be honest with can make a huge difference.

Someone who knows the real version of how you're doing.

Someone who knows that some days are harder than others.

Someone who can listen without trying to immediately fix everything.

There is a common misconception that strong people never struggle.

That isn't true.

Strong people struggle all the time.

The difference is that they allow themselves to be human.

They allow themselves to have emotions.

They allow themselves to ask for support when they need it.

If you're having a hard day, it's okay to say so.

If you're feeling sad, it's okay to admit it.

If you're worried, it's okay to talk about it.

Your feelings are not weaknesses.

They are part of being a person.

And you should never feel like you have to hide them just to make everyone else comfortable.