“Be Smart, Not Strong” is a principle I often share with others. At its core, it means not testing or tempting yourself unnecessarily. You do not need to expose yourself to things that cause pain, humiliation, suffering, or harm. Choosing to avoid certain people, situations, or interactions does not make you weak or incapable—it simply means you’re prioritizing your well-being. You do not have to prove to yourself or anyone else that you can endure those things.
I was not smart. In this short time, not much has changed, progressed, or healed. But for a brief moment, I was building something. Breathing wasn’t painful. When I realized I hadn’t been smart, I had to admit that I wasn’t strong either. Still, if I managed to make it through a few days before, I know I can do it again.