I'm here to tell you that you don't always have to be so tough. Sometimes you will need a shoulder to cry on, sometimes you will need the tear-jerking heart to heart, and sometimes you will need someone to hold you up when you can't stand.

How many times do people come to you with their problems? I bet you always know what to say to lift them up. In their eyes, you have it all together--you're invincible, but you have breakdowns too. When you're the strong one, it can get so lonely. Who is there for you when you meltdown? When you need the comfort? When you need a hand to hold? That's what it feels like because you think you have to keep up this tough girl front for everyone. You need to know that it is OK to be weak. You are no superhuman without feelings. Be comfortable embracing them. Just because you need someone to be strong for you sometimes doesn't mean that you aren't strong anymore. You will need people to be there for you. You can't tackle life all alone. Allow yourself help instead of holding it all in.

No more faking smiles.

How many times do you take on other's burdens? I bet you feel as much as they feel. Their problems become your responsibility. You do more than just listen to what is bothering them. You feel as though you should fix it. You worry about it constantly like it's yours. How much room do you leave for your own? It's hard to resolve your issues when you're the strong girl for everyone else. You are the last person on your mind because you put all others ahead of yourself. But, learning to deal with your own personal troubles before anyone else is not being selfish. Be strong for other people but be strong for yourself first. It will make helping those in need much easier on you. You help them all fix their problems and watch them move on while you sit with no solution. Be strong for yourself first so you do get them resolved.

Hang in there.

How many times do you wish your heart wasn't so big? I bet you wish you could care a lot less. One major reason you are such a strong person is totally because of your huge heart. You feel for others and hate to see them down in the dumps. If you could take their place you would. That's why their burdens become yours. It can seem like such a hassle because it makes it hard for you to find comfort from others. You hold so much back because you don't want to make anyone feel like your burden should be theirs. You know what that feels like. You love helping people when they need it, but you feel selfish asking for help when you do. Don't view this as a curse, though. Having a big heart is a gift to be thankful for. It makes you easy to confide in, it helps let the other person see that you care and understand, and it gives love out to those who need it.

Share that huge, happy heart.

Being the strong girl is hard all in all. But it is such an admirable gift. Sometimes you are the only light that people see in a pit of darkness they're stuck in. You give them hope when they feel alone. Your words of encouragement or listening ear could make a difference in someone's life. It's not a terrible thing. It's something to be proud of. And just because you are strong doesn't mean you can't ever be weak. Let people lean on you and lean on them when necessary. Use that big heart, strong girl.