Hello Reader,

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be “strong.” Not the kind of strong people compliment you for when you’re holding it all together, but the kind of quiet strength we carry when we feel like we can’t fall apart.

I’ve lived that version of strength a few times.
The version where you smile, show up, push through, and say “I’m fine” when you’re not.
The version where you show up with grace while privately juggling doubt, exhaustion, and the weight of expectations, because you don’t know what else to do.

When I wrote my recent blog, The Silent Weight of Strength, it came from that place. I thought about all the times I found myself overwhelmed with transition and stress. On the outside, it looked like I had it all under control. (Insert Ross saying “I’m fine!” from the famous Friends episode) But inside, I was tired. Mentally. Emotionally.

And then I found out I wasn't alone.

I come from a tough stock of women, and many of the resilient women I work have felt this too. They’re praised for being reliable, calm under pressure, and capable. But beneath the surface, they’re carrying so much.

This is your reminder:

1. You are allowed to be strong and struggle.
2. You are allowed to need rest, support, and space to breathe.
3. You are allowed to speak up about what you need.

Strength doesn’t mean silence. It doesn’t mean isolation.
True strength is also about vulnerability. About pausing when you need to. About asking for help.

If this message speaks to you, I hope you’ll take a few quiet minutes to read the blog. It’s written from the heart:

Tracydesoto.com

And if it helps you feel seen, I’d love for you to forward this to someone else who might be carrying more than they let on. We all need reminders that we’re not alone in the hard stuff.

Here’s to showing up honestly, holding space for ourselves, and remembering that we don’t have to be silent to be strong.

With heart,

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