Why Being Strong Is Not Always a Strength

Have you ever considered why being called "strong" might not always feel like a compliment? I recently stumbled upon an article titled "Why Being Strong Is Not Always a Strength," which got me thinking. Unlike most reads, this one demanded multiple revisits because it resonated deeply with my own experiences. Today, I want to dive into the complexities of inner strength and why labeling someone as "strong" might not always be the praise it seems.

1. The Journey of Putting Up Walls: During my childhood, I faced many difficulties that revolved around my personal struggles and identity crises. Whether I had to deal with problems at home or had to confront my insecurities, I learned to suppress my emotions. I was compelled to lie about myself, pretending to be someone else, as it was easier to hide my true identity and take on a different persona.

2. The Burden of Appearances: Over time, I became skilled at projecting an impression of being strong and resilient. My friends, family, and even strangers often praised me for keeping my composure during difficult times. However, they did not know this facade of strength had a price. Behind the mask, I found maintaining a sense of authenticity and connection difficult.

3. The Trap of Perpetual Strength: Although being perceived as strong may seem like a compliment, it can result in a pattern of emotional repression and loneliness. The more I was praised for my strength, the more difficult it became to lower my defenses and show my genuine vulnerabilities. I found myself stuck in a never-ending cycle of concealing my authentic emotions and pushing away the people who cared for me.

4. Embracing the Power of Vulnerability: When I encountered a significant obstacle, I started to ponder what strength really means. I went through my journey of conquering difficulties and discovered that true strength is about acknowledging our weaknesses and revealing our true selves to others. It is about releasing the desire to appear tough and having the bravery to be genuine.

In addition to those challenges, there is another side to being called "strong" that often gets overlooked—especially when you are dealing with something as tough as a cancer diagnosis. It is like you are expected to keep up this tough facade, even when you are facing some really hard stuff. You end up hiding your worries and fears from the people you love, trying to shield them from the pain or just trying to keep a grip on things. But what starts as a way to protect them can quickly become this heavy burden you carry alone. You feel like you always have to be strong, even when you're falling apart inside.

It is this constant pressure to keep up appearances, never to let anyone see you sweat. But deep down, you are struggling, and it feels like you are suffocating under the weight of it all. You are afraid to show any weakness, afraid that if you do, you will let everyone down or that they will not see you the same way anymore. It is this lonely cycle of pretending everything is okay while you are silently screaming for help.

But here is the thing: true strength is not about putting on a brave face all the time. It is about being real, even when it is hard. It is about letting yourself be vulnerable, letting others see the messy, imperfect parts of you. Because that is where the real connection happens, where you find the support and understanding you need to get through the tough stuff. So, let us remember that being strong does not mean going it alone—it means having the courage to lean on others when you need it most.