I ask not for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders.

Jewish Proverb

By Amy Offenberg on Nov 06, 2014 How many times did I hear this during my childhood? And how many times during that childhood did I think it was the stupidest thing I ever heard? Many years have passed, and I realize just how true a sentiment this is. I also wish that the people who said this to me over and over again could just look at me and say, “I told you so..”

So very often we look at our lives and feel that things are just unmanageable. We don’t know how we will weather our crisis or how we will complete everything set before us in our day.

Life is full of stressors. In a perfect world, we would all wake up in the morning with a smile on our face, ready to accept the challenge that lies ahead. But we often wake up with dread and anxiety doubting that we have what it takes to pull through. Somewhere, deep within us lies a reserve that we don’t know exists. We draw from this to get through what we believe is insurmountable. Sometimes the hard things we deal with are major life crises and sometimes we just don’t think we can ever cross off all of the things we put on our daily to do list. Regardless, it is important for us to try and own how broad our shoulders can be. Be kind to yourself and take a breath. Sometimes that is all that it takes before we realize that we got through it.

Always remember that there is a difference between feeling like we can’t move forward and the actuality of not being able to move forward. When you really can’t move forward, and you have no reserve, it is ok. Pick up the phone. Help is only a phone call away.