Everyone is Quietly Carrying Something

A reminder that most people are carrying more than they let on—including you

Author

Clay Garrett
July 31st, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

In partnership with

Hey—it’s Clay.

We all know what it's like to feel stretched.
But the hard part is thinking you're the only one.

The only one holding it together at work while something’s falling apart at home.
The only one feeling behind.
The only one walking around with a smile and a secret weight in your chest.

But here’s the truth:
Most of the guys you pass on the street are carrying something heavy, too.
They’ve just learned how to hide it well.

This week’s reflection is short, but it might be one of the most important reminders I’ve picked up as I’ve gotten older.

Let’s get into it. 🔥 

Everyone is Quietly Carrying Something

The continuing series: Things I’ve Learned in the First Quarter of Middle Age (That I Probably Should’ve Already Known).

It’s easy to assume you’re the only one...

The only one quietly overwhelmed.
The only one navigating tension at home.
The only one second-guessing yourself at work.
The only one wondering, Is it supposed to feel like this?

But over the years, I’ve realized something:
Everyone’s quietly carrying something.

Marriage stress.
Financial pressure.
A health scare they haven’t told anyone about.
Parents who are aging fast.
Kids who are struggling in ways they can’t fix.
A body that doesn’t bounce back.
A career that’s losing meaning.
Or just a quiet ache they don’t have words for yet.

It’s not always visible.
But it’s there.

And when you remember that, when you really let it sink in, you move through the world with more grace.
Not just for other people… but for yourself, too.

You stop assuming that silence means everything’s fine.
You stop resenting people who seem distant or distracted.
You stop expecting yourself to carry everything perfectly, all the time.

The strongest people I know aren’t the ones who look put together.
They’re the ones who keep showing up—even when no one sees what they’re carrying.

Quote of the Week

Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.

Will Rogers

Yesterday’s gone.
But we keep carrying it.

Regret.
Frustration.
Missed chances.

Truth is, today’s the only place we can do anything about it.

Drop the weight.
Take the step.
Make it count.

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Resources worth your time

Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It

The voice in your head?
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Chatter gets real about what’s actually happening between your ears—and how to take back control from the nonstop noise.

This isn’t about quieting your mind.
It’s about leading it.
Guiding it.
So you stop spiraling, stop second-guessing, and start showing up like the guy you know you are.

If your inner critic’s been running the show lately, this book gives you permission to shut him the hell up and move forward with clarity.

5-Minute Habit: The Bounce-Back Rep

Whenever you feel like you blew it, do this within 24 hours:

🔥 Take one low-pressure action in the same direction.

  • Sent a clumsy email? Write another one… calm, clear, no pressure.

  • Fumbled a conversation? Jot down what you meant to say.

  • Blew a presentation? Practice one key point aloud. Just one.

  • Tanked a podcast? Record a 5-minute voice note. Private. Just for you.

Not to fix the last moment,
But to keep moving.

📌 You’re not stuck.
You’re just between reps.

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The Real Truth

Most people are carrying more than you know.

So don’t confuse silence with strength.
Don’t assume calm means clear.
And don’t forget that your own weight is valid, even if someone else’s seems heavier.

This week, try to move with just a little more grace.
For your spouse.
For that coworker who’s off.
For the friend who hasn’t called back.
For yourself.

Because showing up doesn’t always mean showing off.
Sometimes it just means showing up anyway.

Keep the fires burning,
—Clay

P.S. Know someone who needs this? Forward it their way.
More good men around the fire = a better world. 🔥

If you’re digging Campfire Gentleman, check out a few other newsletters I actually read and recommend. No fluff—just solid stuff from like-minded guys trying to build something that matters.

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