The Strong One Who Also Needs to Be Held

I’ve been the "strong one" for as long as I can remember — the one who holds everything together, takes care of everyone, and stays steady so others can lean on me.For a long time I didn’t realize that being the strong one wasn’t a choice, it was a survival strategy. And I also didn’t see how much it was quietly draining me.This Ocean Note is about the moment my nervous system finally said “enough,” and what changed when I allowed myself to be held too.