Pull it together, there is no time for crying. Others will notice. It will cause discomfort and confusion.
Pull it together, there is no time for crying. There are children to tend to and tasks to be completed.
Pull it together, there is no time for crying. There are groceries to be collected and carts to be filled.
Pull it together, there is no time for crying. This is a happy moment. A celebratory occasion. A place to find joy and be grateful.
Pull it together, there is no time for crying. There are colleagues nearby and work demanding your attention. There are responsibilities waiting.
Pull it together.
You must.
You have to.
Your mind fiercely screaming PULL IT TOGETHER.
Stop, friend.
Breathe. Pause. Rest.
Hush those voices. Silence those perceptions, the ones of constant strength and a heroic shelter of emotion. You are not a martyr and have no need to be one. You hurt, and you’re not ok.
Let it out.
Cry, if it helps.
Scream, if it feels right.
Pray or wail or run.
You choose. This is your fight, your pain, your heartbreak.
This is your grief. Your unique grief. It’s yours to craft and handle in a manner that suits you, in a manner that wraps you with comfort and hope.
There is always time for crying and embracing life’s realities, even the most harsh and uncomplimentary. There is always time for vulnerability and authenticity, even when it’s uncomfortable. There is always time to grieve, whether it’s convenient for others or not.
There is no longer a need to pull it together. No longer a need to cling tightly to the pieces that no longer exist or suit you. No longer a need to hide the harsh realities. This is your story, your unique path.
Stop pretending to be a pillar of strength, instead just be.
Be you, even if it’s messy.
Be you, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Be you, even if it’s not understood by others.
Breathe, pause, reset, and just be.
