The Smile That Hides the Tears: Why We Need to Stop Pretending We’re Fine
There’s a kind of pain that runs deep—so deep that we cover it with a smile, hoping no one will see the cracks. On the outside, we seem “strong,” “resilient,” even “fine.” But inside, we’re quietly breaking. We smile not because we’re okay, but because we think we have to be.
Maybe you’ve felt this too.
Maybe you’ve smiled through the tears because vulnerability felt unsafe. Or maybe you didn’t want to be a burden to someone else. Maybe you believed that showing pain would mean you’re weak. But here’s the truth: holding it in comes at a cost—a cost your body, heart, and spirit eventually pay.
When we suppress our emotions, they don’t disappear. They build. They settle in our chest, our gut, our thoughts. And over time, what we avoid begins to weigh us down. The smile becomes harder to maintain. The silence becomes heavier.
But healing doesn’t begin with holding it all together—it begins with letting go.
Give yourself space today to be honest with what you’re holding.
These journal prompts may help:
What emotions have I been hiding from others lately—and why?
Where in my life am I pretending to be “fine” when I’m really not?
What would it feel like to let someone see the real, hurting parts of me?
Who is a safe person I could be more honest with this week?
What do I need to give myself permission to feel right now?
It takes courage to feel. It takes strength to be vulnerable. And it’s okay if that feels hard. You're not meant to do this alone.
If this resonates and you're struggling to release what's been building up, I’m here to support you.
Let’s create space for your truth—no masks, no pressure, just real healing. Set up a mini session with Kerry today -Kerry Life Coach
You deserve comfort and to be heard.
Warmest Regards,
Kerry Life Coach
