Just a week before capturing this moment, I asked my close friend why there seemed to be an influx of emotional bloggers online. I found myself questioning the motivation behind sharing a selfie in such a raw and vulnerable state. Was it merely for attention? Or was there nothing else to do while grappling with pain than to turn the camera to portrait mode?
Now, everything has clicked into place for me. It turns out that an honest image is often the only appropriate accompaniment to tough news.
This was me just moments after receiving the news that I would need a hysterectomy. If only I had a camera on hand during the day my husband’s heart stopped, or when my children were diagnosed with autism, or during the times I faced abuse or miscarriage. I might feel embarrassed about how I looked in that moment, but I have no shame in expressing how I felt.
We often find it easier to share our “happy” moments rather than our struggles. We live in a society that scrolls quickly, where witnessing someone’s pain can make us uncomfortable—or even force us to confront our own. But I’ve learned that silence often exacerbates my pain.
So here’s a glimpse of me at my lowest point, yet arguably my most genuine. I share this for every woman who has sobbed in solitude over betrayal, loss, or the trials of raising children with special needs. In this moment of heartbreak, I find solace in knowing I’m not alone in my struggles.
We’ve all been there—feeling fragile and overwhelmed. I believe that in a world filled with challenges, we should embrace both the beautiful and the painful. The key to surviving lies in revealing our true selves to one another.
We are a community of unique women, united through motherhood. While we may be seen as “scary,” we take pride in our identities as mothers, partners, daughters, and friends. It’s essential we create a space to discuss topics beyond just parenting. For more connections, check out our community on our Facebook page for personal stories. If your kids are growing up, you might also find support on our Tweens & Teens page to navigate those tricky years.
This article was originally published on November 12, 2020.