One of the challenges in having a brave face is that others never consider there are moments you may not be. It is a beautiful yet complicated gift to be able to provide comfort to others. To be the person your friends and family turn to in times of crisis. Just remember that those who offer help may need help sometimes too.

Lately, I have been struggling. Having flares of anxiety and depression that I am not so proud of. I am so kind to others facing struggle, but I have yet to understand the importance of offering myself the same respect.

Some may suggest therapy, seeking out health professionals. For many that may work. And if that is a tool that works for you, power to you! If you feel comfortable with the process pursue it, but for myself, I am not. And I will tell you why.

I have yet to swallow my pride… To understand that the strong fail too. Oh how I despise failing. I think fear of failure comes from my own personal expectations, to hold it "together". Because if I fall, who will those closest to me lean on? I have strength, therefore if I fall, we all do.

That may sound like idiotic reasoning, and when I read the words of that statement, I recognize how false it is. However, this is a deep-rooted issue for many individuals and for me, this is something I struggle with. Allowing for the world to see my weakness.

One of my best friends, who have recently opened my eyes, said to me, " To have the courage to ask for help is not you showing weakness, but strength." It takes a great deal of strength to open up. I find myself suppressing my emotions.

That is not a weakness, yet it is a glimpse of reality. I am thankful for my friend who noticed a shift within me, to speak up and make sure that I recognize that I am falling. Sometimes you cannot only rely on yourself, and you need to admit that you need help.

My greatest joy is helping others but again I cannot find the generosity in my heart to offer it to myself. I was wrestling with the "why". Why I cannot allow for others to worry about me and why I simply do not want other people to worry about me. It is because that is my job. Then I realized, being a brave individual goes hand in hand with wanting control.

I struggle with allowing myself to be a mess. To admit when I have lost control of who I am. What is the issue with a brave face? You rarely let others see you cave. So those around you assume you are steadfast, strong, in control, without a shadow of a doubt; okay.

I understand not each individual is intuitive. That people miss the signs of when others emotional well-being is compromised. Recognizing that I have not been completely myself as of lately, just an extension.

For those of you who feel you lack the skill, those who are not capable of reading between the lines, noticing lack of bravery, please I advise you to check up on the ones who you are usually so sure that are "okay". A simple, "how are you", goes a very long way.

This also means that the brave need to allow transparency because when you allow for others to see your struggle, it is easier for them to then offer a helping hand. Break your silence, even if it proves that you are not always brave.

Each individual has strengths and weaknesses. My weakness? Being weak. Allowing for myself to strip off the mask of "I am okay", and revealing the "I am not okay."

Again, to be brave is in fact a complicated gift. Being emotionally strong for others does not mean you do not deserve to be taken care of. To be offered the same respect of healing and love. Leave behind the idea that those managing another person's issue, means they can manage their own. Even the bravest of walls can come falling down.

It does not take long to ask a three-word question; "How are you?" I hope those who are brave enough to answer, answer honestly.