Every man must carry his own cross

Proverbial Meaning: Everyone has his or her own emotional baggage and suffering that they carry around.

Literal Origins: The proverb refers to Jesus and the bible story of how he carried his own cross upon which he was crucified.

Common Usage: The sentiment of this proverb is expressed in different ways, not often quoted as written here. Usually thusly: “Everyone has their own burden” or “Everyone has a cross to bear” and other variations on the theme, often in reply to someone complaining about their own hardships.