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You Don’t Have to Be the Strong One: A Letter for the Overwhelmed

✨Radiant Soul,


This month, I’ve been thinking about the kind of strength that breaks us.


The kind that says: don’t cry, just fix it.

The kind that whispers: you’re not allowed to fall apart.


Somewhere along the way, strength stopped meaning resilience—and started meaning silence.


But what if real strength sounds more like this:

"I’m tired."

"I need help."

"I can’t carry this alone."


This post is for the one who’s done being the strong one in silence.


For the man holding back tears in the dark.

For the soul in-between—tired, unraveling, awakening.


A Black man sits on the floor in a dimly lit room, leaning against a couch with a contemplative, weary expression. Warm shadows surround him, evoking a mood of quiet reflection and emotional fatigue. Overlay text reads, “You don’t have to be the strong one,” with emphasis on soft green and white lettering. The atmosphere is tender, intimate, and gently invites the viewer into a moment of vulnerability.

What We Were Taught About Strength


We were taught that strength looks like silence.

Like never asking for help.

Like making it look easy when it's anything but.


We learned to clench our teeth, tighten our grip, and pretend we aren’t falling apart.


Especially our brothers. Our fathers. Our partners.


The world gave them armor but no language for the ache underneath it.


This version of strength leaves us sad.

Alone.

Exhausted.


Even worse, it makes us believe that needing help is failure.

But what if needing help is holy?

A minimal, calming graphic with the quote: “You don’t have to go quiet to be loved. You were taught not to cry—but that’s not weakness. That’s proof you’re still alive. You don’t have to be unbreakable to be worthy. Here, you are most loved not when you hold it all together—but when you let yourself be real.” The text appears in a soft serif font against a muted, earth-toned background, evoking emotional warmth and inner safety.

What Strength Could Mean Instead


What if strength is presence?

What if strength is honest?


What if strength is saying:

  • "I can't do this by myself."

  • "I'm grieving and I don't know how to name it."

  • "I want to be held and seen, not just respected."


What if strength is letting someone see you before you're okay?

What if it’s saying no before you shatter?

What if it’s letting God meet you exactly where the mask falls off?


It's Okay Not to Be Okay


There is no shame in struggling.

You weren’t created to be invincible.

You are not a robot.


You were created to be real.

To feel.


Being real means some days will feel heavy.

Some moments will stretch you thin.

Some nights you will need more than you know how to ask for.


You feel because you’re alive and it’s okay to feel all of it.


God doesn’t love the polished version of you more.

He meets you right here—in the unraveling.

In the not-yet.

In the ache.


If today feels like too much, let it.

Let the tears come.

Let the silence speak.


You are still worthy in the mess.

You are still whole in the storm.

You don’t have to be okay to be held.


It's Okay to Journal When Overwhelmed


This is not a performance.

This is presence.


You don’t have to write beautifully.

You just have to be real.


Let journaling be a release, not a ritual.


Try one of these gentle prompts:


  • “If I could lay down one thing right now without judgment, it would be…”

  • “What do I wish someone would ask me?”

  • “My sadness sounds like…”

  • “God, I’m scared to say this, but…”

  • “If I didn’t have to be the strong one today, I’d…”

    A quiet, reflective quote graphic reads: “When everything feels too heavy to hold, let the page carry it with you. You don’t need perfect words—just honest ones. The journal doesn’t judge. It just makes room.” The quote is set in delicate typography over a textured, paper-like background, creating a feeling of stillness, comfort, and sacred release.

Write without editing

No pressure to resolve anything.


Let the page be your witness.

Let it hold what you’re tired of holding alone.


A promotional graphic for the “For Your Inner G Collective Wellness Subscription.” A Black man sits outside in sunlight, focused and journaling with earbuds in, wearing a brown jacket and denim shirt. Overlaid text invites viewers to “Join the Collective Wellness Subscription,” offering unlimited digital access to member-only content and special promotions on healing and growth tools. A gold “Subscribe” button is featured at the bottom right. The visual conveys intentionality, reflection, and personal growth.

Prayer Prompts for the One Carrying Too Much


You don’t have to have the words.

You just need a whisper.

A reaching.

A return.


Whispers you can try:

  • “God, I don’t know how to hold this anymore. Will You hold me?”

  • “I am tired. Be my rest.”

  • “Show me what surrender looks like today.”

  • “Is it okay to not be okay? Help me believe that.”

  • “Even here, I trust You are with me.”


Let these words become breath prayers. Let them find you in the middle of the night, in the middle of the mess.



Wisdom for the Ache....


You are not less holy for falling apart.

You are not less worthy because you need help.

You are not weak for needing rest.


This does not mean you've reached the end.

This is the edge of becoming....fuller, authentic, seen beyond production.


You’re allowed to exhale.

You’re allowed to need God.

You're allowed to lean on your people.


Strength is not silently battling what breaks you.

What hurts you.


Strength is allowing yourself to be loved, seen, valued, and respected completely.

Even in areas where you feel empty.




Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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Dr. Amirah B. Abdullah

Amirah B. Abdullah, DrPH

Founder of For Your Inner G | Writer + Wellness Educator

Dr. Amirah is a mindset and emotional wellness guide helping ambitious souls shift perspective, deepen self-awareness, and heal with intention. Through her blog, A Gym for the Mind, she shares poetic reflections, grounded strategies, and soulful truths to support your personal growth journey. 


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