When Strength Becomes a Burden

     They say, “You’re so strong.”

And maybe they mean it as a compliment.

But after a while, it starts to feel like a sentence.

Because being strong all the time —

Means hiding your tears so others can feel safe.

Means being the listener, the fixer, the helper… but rarely the helped.

Means pretending you're okay, just so no one else worries.

When Did We Learn That Crying Is Weakness?

Somewhere along the line, many of us were taught to hide our emotions.

Especially in African homes, in traditional communities, in environments where survival is the priority — emotions are often pushed aside.

You get told:

“Stop crying. Be a man.”

“Strong women don’t break down.”

“You’re the firstborn — act like it.”

But what happens to the pain we don’t express?

It doesn’t disappear.

It builds.

And slowly, silently, it begins to wear us down.

The Silent Pressure to Hold It All Together

There’s a kind of pain that never screams.

It just waits… in your chest… in your tired bones… in your forced smile.

And most people won’t notice.

Because you’re the one they call when they’re falling apart.

You’re the one who keeps showing up.

You’re the one who holds the family, the friendship, the workplace together.

But who holds you?

You Deserve a Safe Space Too

Being strong shouldn’t mean being silent.

It shouldn’t mean you carry everything alone.

At EGGCROWN Media, we believe strength looks like:

Telling your truth.

Saying “I’m not okay” when you’re not.

Asking for help without shame.

Resting. Releasing. Letting go.

You are not a robot. You are not a superhero.

You are human — and being human is messy, emotional, and sacred.

It’s Okay to Put the Armor Down

You don’t have to earn rest.

You don’t have to prove your worth through pain.

You are allowed to break down… and still be strong.

Let’s stop glorifying the version of strength that kills us slowly.

Let’s redefine it — as honesty, softness, balance, and healing.

Because the strongest thing you’ll ever do is allow yourself to feel.

EGGCROWN Media — A voice for the tired, the unheard, and the beautifully human.