"Les gens pleurent non pas parce qu'ils sont faibles, mais parce qu'ils ont été forts trop longtemps."

Sometimes, life can be overwhelming. We hold on, stay tough, and push through for days, weeks, maybe even years. And then, out of the blue, we break down. This doesn't make us weak—in fact, it shows just how strong we've been all along. You might've been carrying a heavy load, dealing with stress, sadness, or intense pressure, and your tears are a release from all that accumulated strength.

This idea reminds me of those times in history, especially during the world wars, when soldiers and civilians alike had to be strong day in and day out. Imagine being a soldier in the trenches of World War I. Amidst the mud, the cold, the constant threat of death, they had to keep going, keep fighting. There were moments when the weight of it all would become too much to bear—moments where the strongest of them would break down and cry, not from weakness, but because they had been holding up for so long.

Now, think about a modern-day example. Picture a single parent juggling two jobs while raising kids. They might go months without a break, always putting on a brave face, handling work stress, household chores, and caring for their children. Then, one day, something small—a forgotten lunch, a missed deadline—becomes the last straw. They find themselves in tears, not because they’re weak, but because they’ve been strong for an extended period.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? First off, recognize that crying is a natural and necessary release. It's a way for your body and mind to decompress. When you feel the tears coming, don't fight them. Embrace them. Give yourself permission to feel and express emotions. It’s okay to lean on friends and family for support. You don’t have to carry your burdens alone.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop with a friend. They're telling you about the tough times they’ve been going through—work stress, personal challenges, the whole nine yards. You notice their eyes well up with tears. Instead of saying, "Don’t cry," you might say, "It’s okay to let it out. You’ve been strong for so long." In that moment, you're acknowledging their strength and giving them the space to be vulnerable.

Here's a relatable scenario: You’re a student juggling school, part-time work, and family responsibilities. For weeks, you’ve been pulling all-nighters, attending classes, and trying to meet everyone's expectations. One day, you get a disappointing grade on an important exam. You find yourself sitting alone, tears streaming down your face. It’s not that you’re weak—it’s the built-up stress and exhaustion finally finding an outlet. Give yourself a break. Take a walk, call a friend, or simply let yourself cry. You’ve been strong for so long, and it’s okay to let go, even if just for a moment.

Remember, everyone has their breaking point. Crying is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the strength you’ve shown. So next time you find yourself or someone else in tears, know it’s just part of the process of being human. We all need that release sometimes.