You don't always have to be strong.

You're not a Superhero.

Even Thor had his weak moments.

Remember in Endgame when the god of Thunder himself was struggling, beer in hand, feeling the weight of his failures? If the mighty Thor can have a breakdown (and still be worthy), what makes you think you always have to hold it together?

It’s alright to cry. It’s okay to fall. It’s okay to not be okay. That’s what makes us human. You don’t always have to be a “hard guy” or a “hard girl.” Seriously, who hard guy epp? Sometimes, what you really need is to let the storm pass without trying to fight it.

You can't always be strong even if you try.

This year taught me that lesson the hard way. For as long as I can remember, I’ve put up the "hard girl" persona quite well. The one who dusts herself off after a fall, locks up, and moves on without a second thought. Tears? For what? Vulnerability? Abeg, I don’t know her. Or so I thought.

But life has a funny way of shaking up what you think you know. This year came with its storms, heartbreak, disappointments, unmet expectations and as much as I tried to act tough, I couldn’t “hard girl” my way through it. I cried, I crewed, I crode. I questioned everything. I felt weak, and it terrified me.

But in those moments of weakness, I found strength. Not the type of strength that comes from pretending everything is fine, but the kind that comes from letting people in. I leaned on friends in a way "hard guy Tolu" never would have. I got reminded that even the strongest people have had their breaking point and being weak is only just part of what makes us human. Because in the end, being human isn't about being perfect, it's about being real.

We often think we have to power through life solo, like we’re in some kind of personal survival game. But the truth is, no one hands out medals for suffering alone. You don’t have to be your own superhero all the time. It's okay to not be okay. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or sad. It's okay to ask for help. We're not meant to go through life alone. It’s okay to lean on someone, to let them be there for you. That’s what love and connection are for.

So, my dear reader, this is your permission slip to not be strong all the time. Life is hard enough without us pretending we have it all together. Cry if you need to. Rest if you must. Talk to someone. Let them share the weight of your burden. You deserve that, and it doesn’t make you any less of a “boss” to admit that you need help.

Even now, as I write this, I’m still learning how to let go of the “hard girl” persona. It’s a process, and I’m taking it one day at a time. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s part of what makes us human.

So the next time you feel overwhelmed, remember: even Thor needed time to heal and people to lean on. If the god of Thunder can have his moments, you can too.

Remember: You are not alone. You are strong, you are capable, and you are enough.

Take care of yourself. Be kind to yourself. And don’t hesitate to let someone be there for you. You’re human, and that’s more than enough.

Till I write again I leave you with this song "it's alright to cry" from one of my favorite YouTube series - Best Friends In The World.

Stay safe, stay jiggy and stay Blessed.

Season Greetings🎄🤶

Love Tolulope.