You Are Not a Burden

(dramatic music) If you're listening to this today, there's a chance you've been carrying a certain thought that feels incredibly heavy. Maybe it's, "I'm a burden. I don't want to bother anyone." Or, "I should be able to handle this on my own." If any of these thoughts feel familiar, I want you to know you are not alone. Many of us have believed them at one time or another, especially when life feels difficult. I want to acknowledge how painful and exhausting this feeling can be. When we believe we're a burden, we often start editing ourselves. We filter our words. We hide our pain. We try not to ask too much. We convince ourselves that keeping everything inside is protecting the people we love. However, more often than not, it simply means we're carrying the weight alone. But what if we could look at this a little differently? Take a moment to think of someone you care deeply about. Imagine they've called you and said they're struggling. Would your first thought be, "Ah, you're such a burden?" Probably not. More likely you'd be grateful they reached out. You'd want to listen. You'd want them to know that they didn't have to carry it all by themselves. Now here's something to consider. The people you love may feel the same way about you. Reaching out doesn't make you a burden. It gives the people who care about you the opportunity to care for you. None of us were meant to move through life entirely on our own. There are seasons when we offer support and seasons when we receive it. Both are part of being human. So if you're having a hard time today, see if you can let go of the idea that you have to carry it all by yourself. You deserve care too. You are worthy of being supported just as you have supported so many others. (dramatic music)...