We all go through hard times. It’s one of the few things in life that’s guaranteed — storms will come, and sometimes they stay longer than we think we can bear. Whether it’s loss, failure, loneliness, or just the endless weight of too many “bad days” stacked together, struggle is a part of being human.

When you’re in the thick of it, it’s easy to shut down. To isolate. To convince yourself that no one could possibly understand what you're going through — or worse, that you’re a burden if you let someone in. It feels safer to build walls, to push away the people who care about you. Safer to sit alone with your pain rather than risk the vulnerability of letting others see you at your weakest.

But here's the truth: you are not a burden.
And even if it doesn't always feel like it, you are not alone.

The people who love you — the ones who show up when you’re quiet, the ones who text when you disappear, the ones who notice when you're not quite yourself — they care for a reason. They want to be there for you, not just when you’re laughing and everything’s good, but when you're breaking too.

Pushing them away might feel like protecting yourself. But in reality, it cuts you off from the very thing that could help you heal: connection.

Letting someone in during a dark time doesn't mean you have to have all the right words. It doesn’t mean you need to explain everything or pretend to be okay. Sometimes, it’s just about sitting with someone who says, "I'm here," and really meaning it.

Pain shared is pain lessened.

You don’t have to go through this alone.
You weren’t meant to.

If you're struggling right now, I hope you give the people who love you the chance to help. I hope you let them hold a little bit of the weight you’re carrying.
And if you know someone who’s going through it — keep reaching out. Even if they don't respond the way you hope, keep showing up. Sometimes the smallest gesture is what reminds someone that they’re still worth fighting for.

Hard times don't last forever. But love? Love sticks around, if you let it.