Sometimes I Cry in the Shower — and That’s Okay

I don't talk about it much, but sometimes, I cry in the shower.

Not the dramatic movie-type crying, where the water and tears blend perfectly in some poetic moment. No. Mine is the quiet kind. A soft sob that no one hears. A moment of release when I can’t hold it in anymore — especially since I got pregnant.

Before this chapter of my life, I thought I had a good handle on my emotions. But pregnancy cracked something open. The hormones, the body changes, the weight of what’s to come — it’s beautiful, yes, but it’s also overwhelming. And in the middle of it all, I find myself standing under warm water, letting tears fall quietly, letting the pressure escape just for a while.

And I realized something: that’s okay.

I’ve always felt like I had to be strong. For my family, for my partner, for myself. But growing life inside me has taught me a softer kind of strength — one that allows space for vulnerability, confusion, and feeling everything too deeply.

Sometimes it’s not even sadness. Sometimes I cry because I hear a song that reminds me of my childhood. Sometimes it’s because the dog ate my sandwich. Sometimes it’s because I feel love so big that it spills out through my eyes. And sometimes… it’s because I’m just tired. Tired of pretending I’ve got it together. Tired of holding in my fears about becoming a mother. Tired of having to explain my emotions to people who don’t feel them the same way I do.

And in that shower, no one asks questions. No one judges. It’s just me and the sound of water, soft like silence, giving me permission to feel.

Pregnancy has made me more emotional than I ever expected. My body is shifting daily, my appetite is unpredictable, and even the smell of certain foods can trigger a wave of nausea or an unexpected flood of tears. I look at my reflection some days and barely recognize myself. Not just in how I look — but in how I feel.

But somewhere between the dizziness and the cravings, there’s growth. Not just in the belly, but in the heart. This baby is not even here yet, and already, it’s teaching me how to soften, how to let go, how to cry and not feel weak.

I’ve learned to stop apologizing for being sensitive. For crying during commercials. For tearing up when my dog rests her head on my lap. For having no explanation other than “I just need to cry right now.” It doesn’t mean I’m not strong. It means I’m human. And it means I’m paying attention to my emotions rather than burying them.

After all, isn’t that what real strength is? Not bottling things up until we break, but giving ourselves space to bend, to feel, to let the storm pass and still be standing.

After one of those crying showers, I usually feel lighter. Not perfect. But calmer. Like I’ve washed off the weight I didn’t even realize I was carrying. And when I step out, wrap myself in a towel, and see my dog wagging her tail or my husband asking if I’m okay — I know I’ll be alright.

If you're reading this and you’ve ever cried in the shower too, know this: you’re not alone. Whether you're pregnant, stressed, overwhelmed, or just human — it's okay to fall apart sometimes. What matters is that you keep going. Even with mascara running down your cheeks, even if you whisper instead of roar.

You’re allowed to feel everything.

And you're doing just fine.