Welcome,
I'm Teresa,
And this practice is for the ones who are used to being strong.
The ones others rely on.
The ones who keep showing up,
Who hold space,
Who find a way to keep going.
And who may not always have a place to set things down.
If that's you,
This is a moment just for you.
There's nothing you need to prove here.
Nothing you need to hold together.
Just a gentle invitation to soften even a little bit.
Taking a breath.
No need to change it right away,
Just noticing.
And if it feels okay,
Let your shoulders drop even slightly.
Letting your jaws soften.
You don't have to release everything.
We're just inviting a small softening.
If you're someone who is used to being the strong one.
Your system may be very practiced at holding.
Holding emotions,
Holding responsibility.
Holding things together for others.
And over time,
That holding can become constant.
So constant that you may not even notice it anymore.
It may feel like just a quiet tension.
A steady,
Unconscious effort.
Take a slow breath in.
And a longer,
Gentle breath out.
Again,
A soft inhale.
And an easy exhale.
Let your body begin to feel what it might be like to not hold quite as tightly.
Even just a little to begin.
Now,
If it feels okay,
Gently bring your awareness to your body.
Notice if there are places that feel like they're holding on.
Your chest.
Your stomach.
Your jaw.
Your hands.
And instead of trying to release them,
Let's start by acknowledging them.
Thank you,
Body.
I know you've been holding a lot.
Let that be enough.
Now imagine just for a moment.
That you don't have to be the strong one right now.
Nothing is falling apart.
Nothing needs to be managed.
You're just here with me in this moment.
Notice what that feels like in your body.
There might be relief.
Or hesitation.
Or even a feeling of not knowing what to do without that role.
All of that is welcome here.
Taking a slow,
Steady breath.
And now,
Very gently,
See if you can allow something to support you.
It could be the surface beneath you.
The air around you.
Your own hand resting gently on your chest.
Let yourself feel that support.
Not all at once,
But little by little.
Like leaning back just slightly.
You don't have to drop everything.
You don't have to stop being who you are.
But for this moment,
You don't have to hold it all alone.
Take another slow,
Steady breath.
And if it feels okay,
Gently ask yourself.
What would it feel like to not be the strong one for just a few minutes?
And let your body respond.
As we come to a close,
Take a moment to notice how you feel.
Even the smallest shift is enough.
If you're someone who is used to being the strong one,
This practice is something you can return to.
A place where you don't have to hold everything.
And if this theme resonates with you,
My course,
The Sustainable Caregiver,
Explores this experience more deeply,
And offers gentle ways to begin including yourself in the care you give.
For now,
Take one more breath.
And carry this with you.
You don't always have to be the strong one.
You're allowed to soften too.
As you return to your day,
Remember as always,
You are loved,
You are whole,
You are enough.
