For the Overthinker

I used to think being self-aware meant I was doing something right.

I noticed everything: My tone. My posture. How I might’ve come across. How someone else might’ve interpreted something I said.

But somewhere along the way, awareness turned into surveillance.

Overthinking doesn’t mean you lack confidence. Sometimes it means you care deeply—and don’t know when to rest.

I’m learning that awareness without compassion just becomes self-criticism.

So lately, when I notice myself spiraling, I try to add softness instead of logic. Less “figure it out.” More “it’s okay to be human.”