People often told me how strong I was.
"You handle everything so well."
"I don't know how you do it."
"You're such an inspiration."
I smiled and thanked them.
But there were days when strength felt exhausting.
Days when I wanted permission to be vulnerable.
Permission to admit that I was tired.
Permission to say I wasn't coping as well as people assumed.
The problem with appearing strong is that people sometimes stop asking if you need help.
They assume you have everything under control.
They assume you don't struggle.
They assume you don't cry.
The truth is that strength and vulnerability can coexist.
Strong people get scared.
Strong people feel overwhelmed.
Strong people need support.
Strong people need rest.
One of the most liberating moments of my journey came when I stopped pretending to be okay all the time.
When I allowed trusted people to see my fears.
My doubts.
My humanity.
Strength is not carrying every burden alone. Strength is knowing when to reach out. And sometimes the bravest thing a woman can say is: "I need help."