For the fierce and the fried: When power and exhaustion live in the same body

Ever have one of those days where you do all the things—manage the tough case, remember the birthday gift, send the “thinking of you” text—and then find yourself sitting in your car wondering why you feel like you've been hit by a truck? 

We’ve been enculturated through society and our training to believe that we always have to be tough. And if we’re not, there’s something wrong. 

Here’s the thing: being strong doesn’t mean you never feel exhausted.
Being capable doesn’t mean you're not also stretched thin.
And being the one everyone leans on doesn’t mean you don’t need someone to lean on, too.

You are a human being and, therefore, you will be both.

Strong and struggling.
Compassionate and crispy.
Deeply competent and so, so tired.

This week, instead of trying to prove your strength, practice allowing the whole picture.
Let your story include both your power and your humanity.
Both your fierce love for others and your very real human limits.

You don’t need to choose between being impressive and being honest.

You get to be both.

And if you’re currently in your car, just breathing for a second before walking inside?
We see you. We’re with you. And we’re proud of you.