There are moments in life that change everything. Moments that divide time into a “before” and an “after.” A diagnosis, a setback, an unexpected challenge—whatever it is, you remember the exact moment everything shifted.
Maybe you’ve been there. Maybe you’re there right now.
If so, I want you to know one thing: You are not alone.
Since the day I faced my own life-altering moment, I’ve received countless messages—words of encouragement, support, and reassurance. Below is a message I received from a family memer after my diagnosis that I frequently reread when I’m feeling defeated and like I can’t keep going. The message was titled “…but I don’t have to.”.
I Could Say… But I Don’t Have To
I could say “This does not define you.” But I don’t have to.
Because I know that no single moment, no diagnosis, no challenge can ever define the depth of who you are. You are more than this moment. Your dreams, your purpose, your strength—they are far greater than any obstacle in your path.
I could say “You are stronger than this.” But I don’t have to.
Because even if you don’t feel strong right now, you are still standing. You are still showing up, learning,adapting, and figuring it out—one step, one day at a time. That is strength. You don’t have to feel strong to be strong.
I could say “You will rise above this.” But I don’t have to.
Because I already see it happening. Every time you refuse to let this challenge define you, every time you push through the frustration, the fear, and the uncertainty, you are already rising.
I could say “Stay the course.” But I don’t have to.
Because I know you. You are determined. You don’t back down. No challenge—no matter how overwhelming—will stop you from moving forward. You may take detours, but you won’t quit.
I could say “Don’t let this slow you down.” But I don’t have to.
Because if life has taught me anything, it’s that resilience is not about speed—it’s about endurance. You don’t have to move fast to make progress. You just have to keep going. And I know you will.
I could say “This will make you stronger.” But I don’t have to.
Because I know it already has. Challenges don’t create strength—they reveal it. And even in the hardest moments, your strength is shining through.
I could offer you endless words of encouragement. I could repeat every “sound bite” of inspiration. But the truth is, I don’t have to.
Because This Is Who You Are.
The reason I don’t have to say any of these things is because they are already true about you.
You are strong.
You are capable.
You are resilient.
And those qualities will empower you to face whatever comes next.
Yes, this journey may be difficult. Yes, there will be moments when it feels unfair. But this challenge—whatever it is—will never be the thing that holds you back.
Because you are so much more than what happens to you.
You Are Not Alone.
And perhaps most importantly, you are not walking this road alone.
There are people who care about you, who believe in you, and who will stand beside you—through every victory and every setback. You do not have to carry this burden by yourself.
No matter how overwhelming this moment feels, no matter how uncertain the future seems, you are supported. You are loved. And you are never alone.
Your Best Days Are Still Ahead.
If there’s one thing I am certain of, it’s this:
The best of you is still to come.
This challenge is not the end of your story—it is only a chapter. And I have no doubt that in the years to come, you will continue to prove that nothing—not a diagnosis, not a setback, not even fear—can stop you from living the life you were meant to live.
So, I won’t tell you that you’ll rise above this, because you already have.
I won’t tell you to keep pushing forward, because I know you will.
I won’t tell you that you are strong, because you have already shown it.
And I won’t tell you that you are capable of handling anything that comes your way—
Because I don’t have to.
You already know it.
And so do we.
💙 To anyone facing a life-changing moment: You are stronger than you think. And you are never alone. 💙
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