SusieQ

You Are Stronger Than You Think

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What Does it Mean to be Stronger Than You Think?

For me, it meant discovering strength in the middle of heartbreak, grief, and healing. If you’ve ever wondered how to find your joy again after loss, I hope this encourages you. Because truly… you ARE stronger than you think…

Where Did My Joy Go?

As I sit here reflecting on life,
I’m reminded how fast it all flies by.
Some days feel impossibly long… but then we blink, and years are gone.

I’ve lost so many people I love: my grandma, my sister, my dad, and most recently, my mom.

And while I’m beyond grateful for the beautiful family I have now, nothing quite fills the space those original relationships held in my heart.

Sometimes I wish I had a time machine (Doctor Who, anyone?)

…just to go back and hold those moments one more time.

You Are Stronger Than You Think. This is what I call a Tardis. I phone booth that is really a time machine . That's what they use in the tv show Dr. Who. It is blue and has little windows and it says police box on it. The tardis is sitting in the woods.

But life doesn’t work that way. All I have now are the memories… and the lessons they left behind.

You Are Stronger Than You Think. This is a picture of my beautiful mom. We had these pictures taken when we took a cruise ship trip together. She is wearing black and has her rings and necklaces on... pearls. and she's laying her head on her hands. She's smiling so beautifully.

Letting Grief Move Through You

Grief is like a wave… it pulls you under when you least expect it.

I spent two years sitting in my sadness before I could function again.

And honestly?

Sometimes we need that time.

You’ve got to feel it to heal it.

But eventually, I asked myself: What would my mom want for me?

I already knew.
She’d want me to live.
To dream.
To share my story.

And she’d be proud that I’m finally doing that.

This was my beautiful mom…

Honoring My Biggest Cheerleader

My mom was my biggest fan. She believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. Even in failure, she never stopped cheering me on.

She used to say, “You’re as strong as you need to be.”

Turns out, she was right.

So now I write to heal. I step out of the background. I pursue purpose. Because I want to honor the love she gave me, and live with the kind of courage she saw in me.

You Are Stronger Than You Think

(I’m pretty sure your comfort zone will kill you) Maybe not really, but you know, deep inside of you.

Out of comfort zone (learning takes place) <—–> In comfort zone (life passes you by)

For too long, I’ve stayed in the background, watching life pass me by. That was my comfort zone.

But I refuse to be that person anymore.

I’m doing the hard things. I’m writing. I’m showing up. I’m living with purpose.

And I know my mom is smiling down, cheering me on from Heaven.

One of the last things my mom told me was, “You’re as strong as you need to be. Whatever comes your way, you’ll find the strength to handle it.”

She was right.

There are still days when grief knocks me over. I miss her in ways I can’t put into words. But I remind myself to take one step forward at a time. I’m still here. My story isn’t over yet. And I refuse to let sadness steal the time I have left.

Because you never know how strong you are until life gives you no other option. And when that moment comes, you’ll find the strength you didn’t know you had.

You are stronger than yesterday, stronger than the storm, and you can be stronger than your excuses. 💛

You are stronger than you think. woman sitting on rock overlooking valley. she has on a tan sweater and a hat, you can only see the back of her with the clouds in the distance.

Make Today Count

I used to wait for the perfect time. But time doesn’t wait for us.

Now, I ask myself daily: How can I make today matter?

I speak up, even when I feel scared.
I pursue dreams I once shelved.
I do the uncomfortable thing.

Because what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger… if you let it.

So be bolder. Be braver. Be louder than your doubts.

Let those empowering quotes you scroll by actually shape your life.

Write your story. Speak your truth. And surround yourself with people who remind you: Together, we are stronger.

How to Find Joy in Life Again

Will the loneliness go away completely? Maybe not. But I refuse to let it keep me stuck.

Joy isn’t about avoiding pain… it’s about choosing to live in spite of it.

I want to be an example to my children… that life is meant to be lived, not just survived. That even in the hardest moments, we can still find joy.

How to find joy in life again? I believe AFTER we feel all the grief and sadness…and we’re ready… joy is one step at a time… one step forward. Every day.

You Are Stronger Than You Think. My mom on the couch with her christmas hat smiling. She was visiting us one Christmas and I bought her that hat. She was so happy. She's wearing a grey dress and has her glasses on.

When Faith Gets Tested

I won’t sugarcoat it… losing my mom made me angry with God.

I prayed for healing that didn’t come the way I wanted.

For a long time, I felt let down.

But slowly, I realized… I don’t have to understand everything to trust Him.

It took me two years to get to that place.

But I found my way back.

And with it came peace. 💙

I Wish I Had This Back Then…

One of my favorite tools is the Brilliant App… filled with truth, peace, and daily encouragement to remind you of who God says you are. I didn’t have it during some of my hardest seasons… but I sure wish I did.

If you’re walking through something heavy right now, this could be a lifeline.
👉 Check it out here (and see if it speaks to your heart too).

Final Thoughts

So here’s my challenge to you:

Let go of fear.
Make the moments count. Because one day, they’ll be memories. Let’s make them beautiful.

Love your people now.

Say the words.

Chase the dream.

And always remember: You are stronger than you think. 💛

In 20 years, will this moment matter? Make sure it does my friend.

Until next time…

All my love,

SusieQ

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