think you’re mentally strong?

looking good in front of others doesn’t cut it

Terumi Okano
Sep 7, 2018 · 3 min read
by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

Don’t lie, you totally try to act happy when you’re not and try to act tough when you’re crumbling inside.

I had a moment last week where I refused.

I refused to accept the pain that I have carried with me from my childhood.

The only way I can describe the pain is that it’s worse than childbirth. Yes, worse than birthing another human... and I have three kids (so I know what I’m talking about).

It’s one of those things that‘s way easier to just bury. Or ignore. Pretend it’s not there.

And so I have. For many, many years.

Letting go…

…the hardest part was making myself vulnerable.


Learn from pain, and take the opportunity to become better.

Some people act fake because they believe it is in their best interest. I acted fake because that’s the only way I could keep it together.

I acted tough. I acted strong. I acted happy. I acted confident.

Was I mentally strong?

Do you consider yourself mentally strong? Are you actually able to keep it together or is it a show? Here’s the big question. Are you the same person alone as you are with others?

The 3 signs that indicate you may be mentally weak:

Honesty consists of the unwillingness to lie to others; maturity, which is equally hard to attain, consists of the unwillingness to lie to oneself.

~Syndey J. Harris

Are you willing to face yourself with the truth? That trying to be strong in front of others is actually a sign of weakness? It’s time to stop lying to ourselves.

Here are three practical things you can do for starters:

The goal is to be the same person you are with yourself, as you are with others. We all want to look good. But you deserve a better life.

Here’s to being mentally strong. You are tough enough. Let’s do this together.

Terumi Okano

Written by

mom+engineer+marketer. ❤ too honest. life is not meant to be a struggle, but an opportunity to create a beautiful, shining tapestry of love.

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