The Weight of Words

Week 4: The Story Beneath The Diagnosis

We often reach for words like “battle,” “survivor,” and “strong” to describe experiences with illness, trauma, or adversity. These terms can feel empowering—like armor we wear to face the world. They offer a sense of triumph, and resilience. But they can also carry weight that doesn’t always fit.

Not everyone feels like they’re fighting. Some days are more about enduring than conquering. “Survivor” can imply a finish line, when many are still in the thick of it. And “strong”? It’s a beautiful word, but it can make vulnerability feel like failure.

Language shapes how we see ourselves and how others see us. That’s why it’s worth asking: What words feel true to you? Maybe it’s “healing,” “navigating,” “living,” or something else entirely.

There’s no right answer—only the one that honors your experience.

This week, we invite you to reflect on the language you use and hear. What lifts you up? What feels heavy? And what might you choose instead?

Beryl