"Expression is a sign of strength, not weakness"

The idea here is that expressing your thoughts and feelings shows you have the courage to be open and honest, rather than keeping everything bottled up inside. It takes real strength to be vulnerable, to share what's on your mind or in your heart, even when it's tough.

Historically, there’s been a stigma around showing emotions, especially for men. Society often portrayed expression as a sign of weakness. But think about it—when you open up, you’re taking a risk. You’re putting something real out there, and that’s powerful. It’s why leaders, artists, and activists who speak out and share their truths can inspire and move us.

Take someone like Brené Brown, for example. She’s a researcher and storyteller who talks a lot about vulnerability. She shares her own stories and struggles, and by doing so, she’s helped countless people understand that it’s okay to feel and express emotions. Her TED Talk on vulnerability has millions of views, showing just how much people crave this kind of honest expression.

So how can you apply this idea in your life? Start small. The next time you’re feeling something—whether it's happiness, sadness, frustration—try to express it. If you’re happy, share that joy with someone. If you’re struggling, talk to a friend or write it down. It’s not about oversharing or making everything public; it’s about being real with yourself and with others. You might be surprised how this strengthens your connections and helps you feel more grounded.

Imagine a scenario: You're at work, and there's a big project that's stressing you out. Instead of keeping it to yourself, you decide to talk to your manager. You explain what’s overwhelming you and suggest ways you might handle the workload more efficiently. Your manager listens, appreciates your honesty, and works with you to find a solution. By expressing yourself, you not only alleviate some of your stress but also build a stronger, more trusting relationship with your manager.

Or think about a personal relationship. Maybe you’ve been feeling distant from a friend. Instead of letting that distance grow, you reach out. You tell them you’ve been feeling a bit disconnected and miss the closeness you used to have. This conversation might feel awkward at first, but it opens the door for you both to reconnect and understand each other better.

In both examples, expressing yourself strengthens your relationships and shows that you’re willing to be open, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s a sign of strength because it takes courage to be vulnerable. So the next time you’re tempted to keep your feelings to yourself, think about how much stronger you’ll be if you let them out instead.

Remember, expression isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a bold move that shows you’re strong enough to be real. And being real? That’s the strongest thing you can be.