Last night, I stumbled upon an old audition from Britain’s Got Talent that I hadn’t seen before. A Northern Irish priest, his voice raw with emotion, belted out R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts.” It hit me like a ton of bricks.
I’ve always connected with that song. Haven’t we all felt the weight of the world on our shoulders? The crushing deadlines, the endless responsibilities, the stress that creeps into every corner of our lives. Lately, it’s been even harder, missing loved ones, feeling isolated, and battling mental health demons.
And it’s a strange thing. When I’m feeling fragile, lost and lonely, I’m expected to be the rock for my family. To listen, to comfort, to inspire. It’s like I’m putting on a brave face, pretending I’ve got it all together when inside, I’m barely treading water.
But somehow, I do it. Maybe it’s a sense of duty, a desire to help others. Or maybe it’s just a way to distract myself from my own pain. Whatever the reason, it’s a part of me, a need to connect and support.
(Click the link below to hear him sing)
I wanted to reach out to others today and say it’s okay not to be okay.
We all struggle. But by caring for ourselves and reaching out to others, we can find the strength to overcome and inspire. I would rather talk to you than attend a funeral.
Reach out, you matter, you are loved ❤️