ベサニー・ジョイ・レンツさんのインスタグラム写真 - (ベサニー・ジョイ・レンツInstagram)「I always wanted to be the Tough Girl. So much so, that I went through a period where I didn’t cry in front of anyone (except a close friend now and then) while I was between the ages of 12-21. I wouldn’t give anyone the satisfaction of seeing me cry. I found so much of my identity in my own ability to handle ANYTHING without emotion (which i equated to weakness). I eventually did learn to cry and be vulnerable in the next 15 years to come after that, but I still wore my “tough”, my “Jersey Girl” like a badge of honor. And I looked down on anyone who didn’t have the same resolve, stamina, wherewithal, street smarts, survival instincts or the ability to stand there like a fucking concrete lighthouse in the middle of a hurricane like I did. It has finally occurred to me, that although all my toughness served an incredible purpose in my life, saved me from many things, and was a weapon and a shield that I needed...I don’t need it anymore. I’ve moved to a new level. A level of life where I get to be gentle with myself. And others. I get to stop trying to prove how strong I am. I can choose my limits. I can choose what I will and will not “muscle through”. I have a higher power that is my Defender and I don’t need to pick up my own sword every time I’m challenged. Some fights... I can just walk away from. And “not winning” means ZERO about my identity or strength. It just means I chose not to fight because it’s not important enough to me to disrupt my peace and self care. I hope this is encouraging to anyone who finds themselves in the same situation I described. You deserve gentleness. Start by giving it to yourself ♥️🙏 • Pic by @notesfromyourtherapist」5月6日 12時12分