Half of Adulting Is Trying Not to Cry
A soft take on survival, self-trust, and staying afloat
No one warned us that growing up would feel like carrying 14 tabs open in your brain… while trying not to cry in public.
They said “be strong,” “be excellent,” “be independent.”
But no one said, “Some days you’ll be tired and tender and still trying
Life was simple as a teenager: summer holidays, sweets, Enid Blyton books, and wondering if my crush noticed my new hairstyle (usually a shuku).
I didn’t know what it felt like to zone out in the shower, replaying hard conversations.
Or to wonder if my emotional bandwidth could stretch until payday.
Now?
I’m navigating adulting, unspoken expectations, and that inescapable tension between what I dreamed and where I am.
💬 What They Don’t Tell You
They say “trust the process,” “let it go,” “don’t take it personally.”
They mean well. But how do you do that…
…when you’re overwhelmed and overstretched, but still trying to be grateful?
…when you're trying to move forward, but your mind remembers every time someone misunderstood you, ghosted you, or left you with silence instead of answers?
We call it “overthinking,” but maybe it’s just emotional memory.
🤍What’s Been Helping
Lately, I’ve been giving myself quiet grace.
Talking to God like a friend, not a checklist.
Letting the tears come when they need to.
Letting the silence sit when I don’t have the words.
I’ve also been journaling in half-sentences.
Avoiding forced small talk.
Watching things that bring joy.
And taking note of what feels nourishing, not just productive.
💭 Reminder of the Day
You’re not too emotional.
You’re not too soft.
You’re not behind.
You’re just human.
And life is a lot sometimes.
🎧 What I’m Listening To
Podcast: Optimal Living Daily – Personal Development and Self-Improvement
A short reminder that letting go of what no longer fits isn’t quitting, it’s making space for something better aligned.
Watch this
Video: Secret To Living Without Fear & Anxiety Forever! DOAC
Be kind to the version of you that’s tired of trying.
Give yourself a break.
Not everything needs to be a comeback.
Sometimes, surviving a rough day is the win.
—
With hugs,
strawberries & clotted cream (elite combo btw)