Written and Submitted by RYAN

Hey everyone,

Today, I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind lately—being open about how we feel, especially when we’re not feeling great. It’s not always easy to talk about feeling down or withdrawn. Trust me, I’ve been there. There’s this instinct to keep our struggles to ourselves, to put on a brave face and just push through. But here’s what I’ve come to realize: talking about how you feel, even when it’s hard, can really help.

When I’m feeling low, my first reaction is often to keep quiet about it. It feels safer that way, right? No one needs to see the cracks. But over time, I’ve learned that holding it all in doesn’t make it go away—it just makes it feel even heavier. It’s like carrying a heavy backpack; eventually, it becomes too much to handle alone.

Opening up to someone—a friend, a family member, or even a therapist—can be incredibly freeing. It’s not about asking for sympathy or trying to fix things; it’s about recognizing our feelings and letting ourselves be supported. When I’ve found the courage to talk about what’s bothering me, I usually feel understood and cared for. And that, in itself, makes things feel a bit lighter.

I used to think that showing vulnerability was a weakness, but now I see it as a strength. It takes bravery to admit when things aren’t okay, to let someone in, and to ask for help. Every time I’ve taken that step, I’ve felt stronger and more able to handle what comes my way.

So, if you’re struggling right now, I encourage you to think about reaching out. You might be surprised by the support and kindness waiting for you. And remember, you’re not alone in this journey. We’re all figuring out life’s ups and downs together.

Here’s to being open about how we feel and discovering the power of sharing our true selves.

Take care,

Ryan

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