Holding It All Together… While Falling Apart Inside | Learning to Say “I’m Not Okay” – Paul Gehring

Holding It All Together… While Falling Apart Inside | Learning to Say “I’m Not Okay” – Paul GehringSoulmates & Suitcases | Season 2 – Episode 13What happens when life doesn’t just test you once…but keeps hitting you again and again?And what if the strongest thing you could ever say…is “I’m not okay”?In this deeply honest and powerful conversation, Lisa and Scott sit down with Paul Gehring—author, husband, and father of four—who shares what it truly looks like to be the one holding everything together… while quietly falling apart inside.From his wife’s multiple open-heart surgeries…to a life-altering stroke…to navigating the pressure of being the caretaker, provider, and “strong one”…Paul opens up about the reality so many people live—but rarely talk about.This episode goes beyond hardship.It’s about honesty.It’s about breaking.It’s about finally allowing yourself to be human.Because sometimes…✨ the moment you admit you’re not okay… is the moment everything begins to shift.🎧 In this episode, we explore:• The emotional weight of being “the strong one”• Feeling alone—even when you’re surrounded by support• How depression distorts reality and isolates us• The life-saving power of opening up and talking• Breaking generational cycles through vulnerability• Teaching emotional awareness to the next generation❤️ Why this mattersIf you’ve ever felt like you have to hold it all together…If you’ve buried your feelings just to get through the day…If you’ve believed no one could understand what you’re carrying…This conversation will meet you there.And remind you—you were never meant to carry it alone.🌟 About Paul & His WorkPaul Gehring is an author and mental health advocate who shares his lived experiences with trauma, caregiving, anxiety, and depression to help others feel seen, heard, and less alone.His books were born from healing—not perfection—and are meant to start the conversations many of us avoid.📘 Scars You Can’t See📗 The Courage to Say I’m Not Okay👉 Connect with Paul:Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/paul.gehring.3/🔔 Support the PodcastIf this episode resonates:👍 Follow the show💬 Share your biggest takeaway📤 Send it to someone who needs this⭐ Leave a rating—it helps more than you know🌿 Connect with Lisa & ScottWebsite: https://forwardwalkingchoices.comBooks & Resources: https://payhip.com/LisaScottBrearleyAuthors✨ A question for you:What would change in your life…if you gave yourself permission to say, “I’m not okay”… and meant it?