The Lie I Told Myself—‘I’m Not Strong Enough’

Unfiltered Truths
For years, I believed the lie. I told myself over and over again, “I’m not strong enough.” Not strong enough to leave. Not strong enough to stand up for myself. Not strong enough to rebuild after everything fell apart.

And for a while, that lie felt true. It was easier to believe I wasn’t capable than to face the terrifying reality that I’d have to fight my way out. The fear was paralyzing, and the weight of it kept me trapped—trapped in a toxic marriage, trapped in survival mode, and trapped in a story I didn’t want to be living.

But here’s the unfiltered truth: I was wrong.

Breaking the Chains of Fear
I didn’t wake up one day suddenly feeling brave. My courage didn’t show up as a loud, bold declaration. It came in whispers—in small, shaky steps I took even when I was terrified.

It was the moment I looked in the mirror, saw the emptiness in my own eyes, and decided my kids deserved better—and so did I. It was the moment I locked eyes with the man who had terrorized me for years and said, “No.” And it was the moment I made the decision to have my oldest call 911, knowing we might not make it through the night but choosing to believe there was a chance we would.

I didn’t feel strong in those moments—I felt desperate. But desperation forced me to act, and every action proved my strength.

What I Learned About Strength
I learned that strength isn’t loud. It doesn’t always look like confidence or courage. Sometimes, it looks like getting out of bed when your whole body feels heavy with despair. Sometimes, it looks like standing still when you want to run. And sometimes, it looks like falling apart—and then pulling yourself back together piece by piece.

Strength isn’t about never being afraid. It’s about moving forward even when fear is screaming in your ears.

Disproving the Lie
Every step I took to reclaim my life chipped away at the lie I had told myself. I realized I wasn’t just surviving—I was fighting. I was showing up for my kids. I was choosing to believe that there was more waiting for me, even when I couldn’t see it yet.

And every time I faced a new challenge—starting over with nothing, learning how to rebuild my confidence, setting boundaries, and trusting myself again—I proved that I was stronger than I ever thought possible.

The Truth I Live By Now
The lie is gone. I don’t tell myself “I’m not strong enough” anymore. Now, I remind myself:

• I am strong enough to leave what breaks me.

• I am strong enough to rebuild what was taken from me.

• I am strong enough to dream bigger than I ever thought possible.

And you are too.

Your Strength Is Already There
If you’re reading this and still believing the lie, let me be the voice that tells you the truth—you are strong enough. Even if you feel broken, even if you’re scared, even if you don’t know what comes next. Your strength isn’t something you need to find—it’s already there, waiting for you to claim it.

I know because I’ve been where you are. And I made it out. So can you.

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This blog post is part of my journey to reclaiming my power. Keep coming back for more unfiltered truths, healing strategies, and bold steps to help you thrive.