This spoke to me. I didn’t realise how much of my “doing my best” was actually just repeating old roles: strong one, reliable one, keep-it-together one.
These days, I’m releasing the need to always be ahead.
Softness, for me, looks like staying present, even if I’m not producing anything.
Kelley, this piece really hits home. The reminder that healing isn’t about performance but presence is so powerful. It’s a beautiful invitation to release the need for perfection and embrace rest without guilt. I’m looking forward to letting go of the old survival strategies and choosing softness.
Thanks for this we need to be reminded because it's so easy to get caught up in the performance. Also, sharing and supporting one another is helpful. Platforms like this are very helpful. Sometimes people know there's a problem but don't know how to articulate it so they can begin healing. So, articles like this are very helpful.
I’ve lived in every one of those roles – the strong one, the dependable one, the "she got it" one – and for a long time, I thought that was it – that was where I was supposed to be living. If I just kept showing up without stopping, kept holding it down without breaking, somebody would finally see me.
But all it ever left me with was sadness and emptiness.
This line right here: “What we often call: doing our best is really just us performing old roles” … yeah, that part.. Because sometimes we call it love, or loyalty, or strength, but it’s really just fear dressed up in a pretty outfit.
And what I’m gently releasing this season is the need keep moving and doing and just giving myself to space for being – being present, being tired, being emotional…just being whatever I need to be in a moment.
This really struck a cord in my soul! Wow... I have been in survival mode for so long. I don't know what healing looks like anymore. The only peace I really find is when I am at the Beach or some body of water, where I can truly relax.
Thank you for this. This piece was needed for me.
Wow I can totally understand these things thanks these articles are so helpful 😊👌🏽💐💕
This spoke to me. I didn’t realise how much of my “doing my best” was actually just repeating old roles: strong one, reliable one, keep-it-together one.
These days, I’m releasing the need to always be ahead.
Softness, for me, looks like staying present, even if I’m not producing anything.
Kelley, this piece really hits home. The reminder that healing isn’t about performance but presence is so powerful. It’s a beautiful invitation to release the need for perfection and embrace rest without guilt. I’m looking forward to letting go of the old survival strategies and choosing softness.
in quiet strength and sound,
Afterforever ✨🎵
I love that you are “letting go of the old survival strategies & choosing softness.” Thank you for reading!
Softness really is the strength I’m learning to trust. Grateful for your words 🧡
in quiet strength and sound,
Afterforever ✨🎵
Appreciate your thoughts, Emma.
in quiet strength and sound,
Afterforever ✨🎵
I needed this! I plan to set more boundaries.
Thanks for this we need to be reminded because it's so easy to get caught up in the performance. Also, sharing and supporting one another is helpful. Platforms like this are very helpful. Sometimes people know there's a problem but don't know how to articulate it so they can begin healing. So, articles like this are very helpful.
This speaks to me on so many levels
I’ve lived in every one of those roles – the strong one, the dependable one, the "she got it" one – and for a long time, I thought that was it – that was where I was supposed to be living. If I just kept showing up without stopping, kept holding it down without breaking, somebody would finally see me.
But all it ever left me with was sadness and emptiness.
This line right here: “What we often call: doing our best is really just us performing old roles” … yeah, that part.. Because sometimes we call it love, or loyalty, or strength, but it’s really just fear dressed up in a pretty outfit.
And what I’m gently releasing this season is the need keep moving and doing and just giving myself to space for being – being present, being tired, being emotional…just being whatever I need to be in a moment.
Love this!
I have been in survival mode so long that I am just doing. Every time I feel a crack, I find myself saying, "Don't cry, it will get better."
I want to learn to let some things fall, to do my best, and to be gentle with myself. Sometimes, my best is simply one step at a time.
This really struck a cord in my soul! Wow... I have been in survival mode for so long. I don't know what healing looks like anymore. The only peace I really find is when I am at the Beach or some body of water, where I can truly relax.
This!