The Strength in Vulnerability

For someone who cries at the smallest things, I've been scolded several times—the "You're no longer a child" kind of scolding, but I'll still cry. Not that I just cry and do nothing, whenever I face a tough situation, I cry first. After that, I clean my eyes, get to work, and restrategize.

It's so frustrating when people see this as a sign of weakness. I remember a time someone I once debated feminism with witnessed me breaking down over something he thought was minor. He had the audacity to say, "You can't be a feminist if you cry like this."

We live in a society where vulnerability is treated like a taboo, yet we forget that true strength lies within it. Not everyone can handle, process, and express emotions. We've been so traumatized that something as humane as feeling has become alien to us.

Now, I'm not saying you should cry all the time. I'm just saying no one has the right to tear someone down for their capacity to feel and process emotions. Your inability to feel doesn't make you strong or cool, it’s simply a flaw. So, don’t go around projecting it onto others.

Dearest reader, embrace your humanity. It is human to feel. And please cry as much as you need to, as long as you pick yourself up afterward and move forward. My ability to be vulnerable and feel deeply doesn't make me less of a feminist or less human.

Yes, I cry a lot. In fact, I’m a crybaby. I’ve cried like four times today, and I’m proud of it. Don’t let anyone bully you into thinking you’re immature or silly for being vulnerable. Thanks to a very special woman in my life for reminding me today never to lose the part of me that feels and expresses emotions.

@favvy_Okwans🖤.