There’s a moment when you feel the mask starts to slide. Sometimes you catch it. Sometimes you don’t.

They say bad things come in threes, right? I’m not going to beat around the bush — I am exhausted. Completely. Physically, mentally, emotionally… I think I need a reset. I can feel my mind cracking slightly, which is my warning sign that I’m not in the best frame of mind — not for myself, and not for those around me.

Another Blow

I got more sad news. A family member has found a lump. I won’t share too much about that here, but I can talk about how it’s made me feel — and about the internal battle I’m fighting right now. On top of that stress, my mask slipped big time at work. I’m struggling to get it back on, and honestly, the thought of even trying makes me nervous. To continue like a robot instead of a living, breathing human with emotions and limits… it’s exhausting.

Limits Aren’t Weakness

I am at my limits. They may not be the same as yours, and some people might think that makes me weak. I’m not. Some people know me as “Hope” — the kind of hope that still lets you breathe, that knows there’s blood pumping through your veins. I am still here. Slightly more broken, yes, with cracks showing… but I’m getting the kintsugi kit out again and starting to glue myself back together.

Word Salad & Warmed-Up Cogs

This has turned into a bit of a word salad, I know. But maybe that’s just my mind’s cogs slowly warming themselves up. My mask is still sitting next to me, cracked and broken. I’m exhausted — but I’m still going. Because I am human. And humans have emotions. And limits.

I am not unbreakable – I am repairable

If you’ve enjoyed my ramblings and want to fuel the next round of word salad (and maybe my endless tea supply), you can always buy me a coffee. No pressure — your support, whether in caffeine or kind words, means the world.