Untangling the Paradox

I've lost count of the number of times I've been told that I need help. Friends, family, and even strangers, all echoing the same sentiment. And it's not that I don't want to seek assistance; deep down, I do. It's just that somewhere within me, I struggle to accept that my struggles are significant enough to warrant it.

In my mind, I convince myself that what I go through is just a part of life's ordinary trials. That these waves of emotions, these moments of darkness, are simply the norm. I tell myself that seeking healing or support is reserved for those who face truly insurmountable obstacles, while my challenges seem minuscule in comparison.

But deep down, in the hidden corners of my heart, I know I'm wrong. I know that pain and suffering don't discriminate, and they certainly don't follow a checklist of what's deemed "valid" enough. Yet, it feels so unjust, so unfair. I never asked for this burden to be placed upon my shoulders, yet here I am, bearing its weight, and being urged to reach out for help.

It's a strange paradox, feeling both grateful for the concern of those around me and burdened by the fact that I need their help. I never envisioned myself in this position, never imagined that I would have to embark on a journey of healing. But life has its own way of unfolding, throwing unexpected obstacles our way, and challenging the very core of our being.