If you’ve ever said “I’m fine” while holding back tears, this is for you.

We all know the drill. Someone asks how we’re doing, and without a second thought, we slap on a smile and say, “I’m fine.” Doesn’t matter if we just stubbed our toe, spilled coffee on ourselves, or are actively suppressing an emotional breakdown—“I’m fine” is the default response.

A friend of mine pointed this out to me one day. He told me, “You always say you’re fine, even when you’re obviously not. That’s just you.” And honestly? He was right. Even when I was exhausted, overwhelmed, or barely keeping it together, I still said I was fine. Because that’s what we do, right? Especially women. We keep moving. We take care of everyone else. We don’t want to be a burden.

Then my friend jokingly said, “You should make a shirt so that when you’re not fine, you can just wear it, and I’ll know.” And thus, my “I’m Fine” shirt was born.

It’s funny. It’s sarcastic. But it’s also way too real.

Why Do We Say “I’m Fine” When We’re Not?

There are a lot of reasons we do this. Maybe we’ve been conditioned to believe that taking care of others is more important than admitting we need help. Maybe we’ve tried being honest before, and it didn’t go well—people ignored it, brushed it off, or made us feel like we were overreacting. Or maybe we just don’t want to deal with the follow-up questions because, let’s be real, “What’s wrong?” can feel like an exhausting question when you don’t even know where to start.

But here’s the thing—constantly pretending we’re okay isn’t just emotionally draining. It can actually affect our mental and physical health. Stress builds up. Anxiety takes over. And before we know it, we’re running on fumes, snapping at the dog because he’s breathing too loudly, and debating whether we can survive solely on caffeine and stubbornness.

And that’s not healthy.

True health isn’t just about eating right and working out. It’s about being honest with yourself and others. It’s about knowing when to ask for help, even if you’ve been let down before.

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You Deserve to Be Heard

If no one has helped you in the past, I get why it’s hard to open up again. But that doesn’t mean you should stop trying. There are people out there who will listen—whether it’s a trusted friend, an online support group, or a professional like a therapist.

And let’s be clear: asking for help isn’t weak. It’s one of the strongest things you can do.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just not fine—find someone you trust. Be honest. And if words fail you? Well, you can always wear the shirt.

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The “I’m Fine” Shirt: A Silent Scream for Help (But Make It Fashion)

This shirt is for all of us who have ever said “I’m fine” when we meant “I’m drowning.” It’s for the people who push through, even when they shouldn’t have to. And maybe—just maybe—it’s a conversation starter. A way for someone to see it, laugh, and then actually check in on you.

And if you’re one of those people who always brushes things off? Maybe consider this your reminder: You don’t have to be fine all the time. You deserve support, too.

So, if you ever need a way to silently scream while still saying “I’m fine,” this shirt’s for you. And for everyone else—if you see someone wearing it… maybe check in on them.

If you would be interested in my little brain child shirt you can find it here.

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The first book in the series is called Going Home. Becca, our heroine,  returns home after a 25 year absence to reclaim a sentimental family heirloom.  She hopes to go in and out unnoticed, especially by the man she’s loved since she was eight years old.

The odds are stacked against Becca, small towns being what they are.  Her 25 year old secret is about to be exposed, and she just might get a second chance at love.

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