The strong one. We all know someone we would describe that way. They are often the one we turn to when the chips are down. That person we can count on for a hug, a word of encouragement, or for some common sense advice. That person who will come alongside you when you need someone, regardless of what they are going through. The ones who make life look relatively easy regardless of how much is on their plates. But what other people may not realize is, sometimes the strong one needs someone to check up on them. Sometimes they are bearing heavier burdens than you know, and despite their broad shoulders, they may be struggling. They probably won’t tell you though, that’s just their way. Yet, when one of these strong ones loses their fight to the dark side of mental health, we are shocked and dismayed to think that the one we thought could withstand anything, the one who could smile in the face of adversity, is no more. And when this happens, there are those who feel guilty because they did not see it coming. Our lives are so fast-paced and busy that sometimes, it is really easy to take our friends and family for granted.

In this day and age, where many of our connections and communications are technology-based instead of face to face, it makes it easier for people to be able to slip between the cracks or to fade away. So, where you can, don’t make it easy for that to happen to someone else. Ask both the struggling ones and the strong ones how they are doing, don’t just assume that they are ok. I guess I’m encouraging you to be your brother’s keeper. Not in a controlling way, but to be sensitive to the plight of others and the possible magnitude of their unseen battles. To really mean it when you ask someone if they’re ok. And to be willing to be inconvenienced a little if someone needs to talk and unburden themselves. Maybe we could all be a little more far-sighted, kind, empathetic and considerate. Maybe if we are, perhaps there will be fewer mental health crises for those whom we deem as ‘the strong ones’.

It’s something to think about.

As children, we were taught not to brag. If you were shy or demure, it’s not like bragging would be a part of your everyday charm anyway. I get that no one wants to hear you if your attitude is one of being ‘one-up’ on someone else. That is belittling and often degrading. But when you are working towards your dreams and passions, sometimes you need to toot your own horn a little.

It can be scary putting yourself out there and letting others in on your dream. That’s your baby, you don’t want people criticizing and pooh-poohing your ideas and endeavors. But I hope you have a tribe of supportive and lovely people in your corner. You can let these ones know what you’re doing. Invite their opinions and maybe ask if they would share your work with others to help get the word out. It’s part of the work needed to get you and your dream where you want to be. And when your confidence begins to build, share more widely and freely. Because frankly, people are going to criticize and judge regardless of what you’re doing. It’s human nature and we do seem to enjoy such petty things at times. So you may as well be criticized for following and achieving your dreams since you’ll discover sometimes that people are going to be finding fault with you anyway. The satisfaction comes in doing what you love and finding whatever measure of success you were reaching for, whether it’s fame and fortune or just to brighten your little corner of the world.

Aim high and if you miss the moon, at least you’ll land in the stars. You have no idea what is possible for you until you try!