When being capable means others rarely see what you're carrying.
There is something about being the person everyone can count on. The one who figures things out, steps in when needed, keeps things moving, and somehow always finds a way forward.
Sometimes, that strength becomes so familiar to the people around us that they forget carrying so much still requires effort.
I recently had the privilege of having a personal letter published in The Psychologist, the magazine of the British Psychological Society, titled “A letter to… the person everyone thinks can handle it.”
This letter grew out of something I've spent considerable time reflecting on through my personal experiences, research, and work: the responsibilities we carry throughout life, the expectations that accompany our capabilities, and the importance of recognizing the person behind them.
Not everything we carry is unwanted. Many of our responsibilities are deeply meaningful, rooted in love, purpose, and commitments we willingly embrace. But even meaningful responsibilities can be demanding, and being capable doesn't mean we are unaffected by what they require.
The response to this letter has been especially meaningful to me. It has been encouraging to see how many people recognize something familiar in its message.
Whether you're a caregiver, parent, educator, helping professional, or simply someone others have come to depend on, I hope these words offer a moment of recognition.
Read my full letter, published by the British Psychological Society:
Shannon Imhof-Clark, Ph.D.
Founder, Walking With HER and Restoration Psychology™
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