We are living in a tricky time. The people that often offer healing and serenity to others are also in need of it. But do we dare mention it? I mean, we are yoga teachers, reiki healers, holistic practitioners. We are expected to have answers. So many people are asking us for classes so that it can help them through this transition, but who is taking care of us?
I, for one can tell you that I carried the burden of being the “strong” one for so long that the idea of opening up and asking someone to fill my cup is scary. It doesn’t feel right.
Life has a way of putting us into situations where we are forced to be strong, even when we feel weak inside. We are programmed to show strength even if we are just as affected as the people we are playing the pillar of hope for.
Checking In
So today is a check-in to all of the entrepreneurs in the healing space.
How are you doing?
Are you scared?
Are you filled with uncertainty?
Is your cup running on empty?
Do you need to take a class instead of leading one?
Do you need to vent?
Be honest. It’s okay. I promise you that your feelings are valid, but I don’t want you to deal with it alone. How is it okay that the whole world is feeling uncertain yet you aren’t allowing yourself to be honest about feeling the same way?
Be Vulnerable
You didn’t get in this field to repress your feelings or to empty out your cup. Perhaps I can offer you the first step: Be vulnerable.
I don’t mean the propaganda of vulnerability where one appears to be vulnerable. I’m asking you to put away the mask that you carry so well that it has bled into your reality.
Vulnerability looks like this; Create space for people to be there for you.
It’s simple, but our need to be the strong one has complicated things. Creating space requires you to take action. Reach out to people and let them know if you’re having a rough day. Cancel sessions that will empty out your cup. Cry and release your pain and then for the hard part, don’t be ashamed for feeling that way.
The freedom that comes with making space allows you to be the fullest version of yourself in a time where everyone is looking to you for guidance. A reminder that the opposite of strength isn’t weakness. It’s dishonesty.
I leave you with an affirmation that has helped me with being more vulnerable. I hope it serves you as much as it has served me:
I am laying down being the strong one. I have created a safe community for me to be vulnerable with
So real! So true. I resonate with this so heavy. Your words have uplifted me and I’m sure so many others. Us “strong” ones forget. Over and over. Thanks for the reminder.
“The opposite of strength isn’t weakness. It’s dishonesty”
I absolutely love and agree with this. It’s interesting how things are backwards. It takes a lot of courage for one to be vulnerable. Its essential to overall wellness.
This was just what I needed! I have been struggling to keep up with classes and meditating daily when it has affected my finances so much. I know that I’m not supposed to feel this way but I am so glad someone said it so I didn’t have to. I need a moment to really let myself really feel how I feel and not be the “strong one” It’s hard when you are a wife and have children and so used to being independent. Thanks so much for sharing this. I will make sure to keep up with the writer.
Thank you again!
This article really inspired me to take this time to reflect physical and emotional. To make changes in my life that are necessary without any regrets or fear.
Thank you Youmie
“I don’t mean the propaganda of vulnerability where one appears to be vulnerable.” I love this… What would it look like if we could really open ourselves up to our loved ones about what we’re struggling with.
I needed this today.. vulnerability is tough for me. It’s even harder for me to ask for help. I love the final affirmation and will begin saying that daily. I also love the note about forgiving yourself for feeling that way because the guilt is real!