There’s a common misconception about strong women: that they do not cry. Fergie may have helped with that
or it was the patriarchal notion that for a woman to be considered “strong” that they have to have a male-like persona.
When a man is overcome with his emotions, many tell him to “man-up” becomes his emotions make him weak. This makes it easy for many to believe that in order to be a strong woman, she must ignore her emotions as well.
This concept that emotions make you weak robs us of the main thing that makes us human. There is beauty in embracing one’s emotions. It’s hard to keep it together all the time. Wake up, smile, work hard and repeat. It’s a daily task that keeps us moving. But what about the days when you can’t smile? What about the days where getting up from bed is the biggest feat we make?
Am I not strong for crying about my break-up? Am I not strong for crying about opportunities being snatched away from me?
What is “strong”?
Is strong suppose to be being a b*tch to anyone that crosses your path? Or is strong giving kindness to those surrounding us?
I am here to tell you that embracing your emotions make you stronger than ever. There is nothing more beautiful than the wide range of human emotions. Anger, sadness, envy, joy, melancholy, nostalgia, love, hate.. excitement! These are all beautiful emotions that make life unique. It is how you overcome and express these emotions that make you strong.
There is no shame in crying when you are sad or upset or overwhelmed, but there is shame and regret in letting it all bottle up. There is health in setting your emotions free. Emotional health is just as important as physical health too. Don’t forget that.