We are all inclined to show the world that we are ‘strong’ and that we don’t need support of any kind. We attempt to hide behind a fake façade projecting to the people around us that “we have it all under control”.

The sincerity of the situation is much different; We have been programmed since childhood by the protagonists in the media and the various role models we had. They wired us from a young age to be the heroes of our own stories.

From bedtime stories our parents told us before they bid us goodnight, to cartoon movies we watched, we were trained to believe that seeking support implies weakness and a lack of power while strength commands standing alone.

Contrarily to what we have been taught, seeking professional and social support is in fact an act of vulnerability and maturity. Let us take this opportunity to expose all our limiting beliefs by redefining strength and weakness.  Instead, we need to embrace the factual truth that we are social beings who need each other every step of the way!

Vulnerability and maturity are conscious choices where we disclose our intimate fears, admit our insecurities, and share our frustrations with the people we trust.

We choose to be vulnerable and mature when we voice our thoughts and feelings, trusting that someone else is listening non-judgmentally and empathetically.

The real power lies in choosing to be One with ourselves inside-out, admitting in total harmony and transparency that we are not okay, and showing all our colors to the people we trust.

The real strength is admitting humbly that we need professional or social support and genuine partnerships for our journey.

It is totally okay not to be okay for a while AND it is totally okay to reach out.

Let us embrace those facts for a change!