She Strengthens

Breaking Free from the Cycle of Unrelenting Pursuit

We’ve all met someone who refuses to give up, no matter the cost. They’re driven by an unyielding desire to succeed, often at the expense of their well-being. But what if this relentless pursuit of excellence is actually a trap? What if it’s time to redefine what it means to be happy, healthy, and successful?

The Mirage of Perfection

Society has created a narrative that tells us we must strive for an unattainable ideal. We’re led to believe that we need to be fitter, more productive, and more successful to be worthy. This toxic cycle of striving can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. It’s time to recognize that this narrative is flawed and that we have the power to create our own path.

Ditching the Desert

The desert represents the societal expectations that suffocate us. It’s the diet culture that tells us we need to be thin to be beautiful, the hustle culture that demands we sacrifice our mental health for success, and the sex-exclusive culture that marginalizes those who don’t fit the mold. It’s time to leave the desert behind and forge our own path.

The Freedom of Letting Go

Giving up doesn’t have to be synonymous with failure. In fact, it can be a liberating experience. By letting go of unrealistic expectations, we can discover new identities, boundaries, and freedoms. We can choose to prioritize our well-being, our happiness, and our values.

Stories of Liberation

Five writers share their journeys of giving up and finding freedom. From abandoning the pursuit of weight loss to rejecting the allure of true crime stories, these individuals have discovered a new sense of self and purpose.

Abby Lee Hood’s Journey of Self-Discovery

Abby’s year-long sex hiatus was a transformative experience that allowed her to explore her own desires and boundaries. She discovered that sex wasn’t the only frontier worth exploring and that self-acceptance was the greatest reward.

Reina Sultan’s Rebellion Against Diet Culture

Reina’s decision to give up dieting and exercising was a radical act of self-care. She created a haven for her body, free from the whims of others’ expectations. By letting go of the need to conform, she found a new sense of freedom and empowerment.

Sandra Ebejer’s Quest for Identity

When Sandra lost her job, she was forced to confront the fact that her identity was tied to her career. She embarked on a journey of self-reflection, discovering that work was just a small part of her life. By letting go of her attachment to her job, she found a new sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Steph Coelho’s Break from True Crime

Steph’s fascination with true crime stories was taking a toll on her mental health. By giving up her obsession, she discovered that sometimes it’s better not to participate in what entertains us. She found a new sense of peace and well-being by letting go of the anxiety-inducing narrative.

Roslyn Talusan’s Journey to Self-Respect

Roslyn’s decision to give up alcohol was a radical act of self-love. She learned to respect her body and prioritize her well-being over the expectations of others. By letting go of the need to conform, she found a deeper sense of self-respect and empowerment.

Breaking Free from the Cycle

It’s time to recognize that giving up doesn’t have to be a sign of weakness. It can be a sign of strength, of self-awareness, and of a desire to live a more authentic life. By letting go of unrealistic expectations, we can discover a new sense of freedom and purpose.