Surface Pressure - Miraculous Amv (BONUS ending❤️)

This song so powerfully captures the struggle and emotion of trying to stay strong when everything around you is falling apart, and that's something I think our young heroes understand all too well. 💜 As the oldest in my family, I especially relate to this song, and maybe you do too. Do you ever say you're fine, when really your heart is breaking and you feel seconds away from a mental breakdown? Do you ever try to bottle up your emotions and soldier on, staying tough and unyielding, while inside you wonder how long you can keep this up?

While we may not be as physically strong as Louisa, or have magical powers like Ladybug and Cat Noir, we may have other strengths that people come to rely on, such as helpfulness, positivity, and problem-solving, or a strength that you rely on yourself - like your ability to accomplish things, or your ability to stay emotionally controlled in stressful environments.
Having strengths and being relied on are both good things, but can get overwhelming when it seems like we have to be strong all the time.

Do you know the meaning of the phrase: "the straw that breaks the camel's back"? I didn't, so I looked it up and apparently it means: "A seemingly small or inconsequential issue, problem, or burden that proves to be the final catalyst in causing an overworked or overburdened person to fail, give up, or collapse."

While there are many really difficult things we face in our lives, often it's the small day-to-day things that really build up pressure - like a constant drip that will never stop, or a tightening grip that won't let go.
It can be so hard when you want to stay strong, and you want to be happy, but problems and pain are constantly pushing down on you and you don't know how much more you can take.

But then comes the question: what does it mean to be strong?

Aside from physical strength, when I picture someone being strong I think of being tough - not letting things get to you, or staying positive - keeping a smile and pushing aside your own worries and discomfort for the sake of others.
But I think there's another kind of strength, a quieter strength, that comes from knowing you can't do it all on your own and being willing to ask for help.

No one likes to be vulnerable, but by sharing your feelings and opening up to people who care about you, you're allowing yourself to be honest, and honesty is a magnificent show of courage and strength. 💖

One of my favorite episodes is Gang of Secrets where Marinette tells Alya that she is Ladybug. I loved how vividly and deeply they expressed Marinette's sorrow, the pressure she felt of having to put up a strong front to everyone all the time, and the gentle relief and comfort that came from sharing her secret with Alya.

I think we are all faced with the pressure of appearing strong and in control or feel the need to bury our feelings for the sake of others, but I hope this will remind you that you don't have to do it all on your own. It's okay to be honest and admit your feelings, and no matter what you are going through, you are a wonderful, beautiful person filled with worth and splendor, not because of what you can do but simply because of who you are. ❤

I know it can be hard when you're overwhelmed and hurting but feel like you have to be "strong" so people don't notice. I also know from experience the immense relief and freedom that comes from expressing your feelings to others and often they are able to maybe not change everything but be there for you and help make things a little easier. (Like how telling Alya helped Marinette. 💕)

But maybe you feel like you have no one to turn to. Surrounded by overwhelming problems yet without anyone who really seems to care about you, feeling utterly and completely alone. I've been there too, and I want you to know that there IS someone who cares about you. 💜

Matthew 11:28 says "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."

Jesus loves you, and he wants to comfort you and be there for you through all life's troubles.
You are so precious to him that he died on the cross to take away your sins and give you the promise of everlasting life, as well as a loving, personal relationship with him. When you put your trust in him he promises to never leave you nor forsake you. He wants to fight by your side, giving you strength and peace even on the hardest days, and you will never be alone.
Jesus truly cares about you and you can turn to him at any time.
(And while we may not know each other super well, I care about you too and if you ever need a friend to talk to I'm here. 🤗💕)

Next time you feel pressured to be strong, remember you are a valuable person regardless of your abilities, it's okay to need a break and there is strength having the courage to be honest.
You don't have to carry it all on your own. 💞🤗

Hope you have a day as wonderful as you are!
Always a friend,
Christina