“I wanted to stay locked away from the pain and destruction. I didn't want to be strong. I didn't want to be the 'smart girl'. I was so very tired. I just wanted it all to be over.”
— Ruta Sepetys
View social media caption
It’s okay not to be the strong one all the time. Ruta Sepetys reminds us of the heavy toll of simply trying to survive: 'I wanted to stay locked away from the pain and destruction. I didn't want to be strong. I didn't want to be the 'smart girl'. I was so very tired. I just wanted it all to be over.' If you're feeling exhausted today, give yourself permission to rest. Drop a 🤍 if you needed to hear this reminder today.
About this quote
Life often demands an unwavering resilience from us, asking us to be brave, intelligent, and strong even when our spirits are quietly shattering inside. Ruta Sepetys captures this universal, exhausting burden—the moment we just want to lay down the armor and escape the crushing weight of grief and hardship. It is deeply human to feel tired, to crave a quiet sanctuary away from the pain, and to no longer want the label of 'the strong one.' However, acknowledging this profound exhaustion is not a sign of failure; it is a testament to how fiercely you have been fighting. When the world expects you to keep it all together, remember that it is okay to pause, to breathe, and to honor your fatigue. Healing doesn't always look like rising up triumphant; sometimes, true strength is simply allowing yourself to rest until you are ready to face the dawn again.
Photo Credit:
Photo by Lukas Rychvalsky on Pexels
