I’m Burnt Out, But I’m Trying
Let’s be honest: I’m exhausted. I’ve got these plans to get my publishing back on line again, get it retargeted, to get new books out there. But I’m tired. Not just physically, though that’s part of it. This is the kind of exhaustion that sinks into your bones, that wraps around your thoughts and makes everything—everything—feel heavier than it should. Burnout doesn’t arrive suddenly; it creeps in, piling on until you wake up one day and realize you’re just barely functioning. That’s where I am right now.
And yet, I’m trying.
It’s hard to talk about burnout because it feels like admitting failure. We’re supposed to keep it together, right? Show up, push through, smile, and keep moving. But here’s the truth: some days, it feels like a victory just to get out of bed. Some days, functioning feels like an impossible task. And that’s okay.
What Burnout Feels Like
Burnout doesn’t look the same for everyone, but here’s what it feels like for me:
The Fog. Thoughts that were once sharp feel sluggish. Tasks that used to take minutes now stretch into hours because my mind is just… not there.
The Weight. Every decision feels heavy. Do I work? Do I rest? Do I cancel plans? The simplest choices feel monumental.
The Guilt. Because I’m not doing enough. Because I can’t shake this. Because people rely on me, and I feel like I’m letting them down.
It’s not just the exhaustion. It’s the frustration with myself for not being able to push through like I used to. It’s the overwhelming pressure to do more, be more, even when I know I’ve hit my limit.
But I’m Still Trying
Even in the middle of this mess, I’m trying. It might not look like much from the outside, but I’m fighting to find my way back. Some days, that means taking a deep breath and doing one thing—just one—that feels manageable. Some days, it means saying no, letting myself rest, and reminding myself that I’m human.
And if you’re feeling like this, I want to tell you: You’re not alone.
It’s okay to be tired. It’s okay to struggle. It’s okay to not be okay. The world has a way of demanding so much from us, but we don’t have to meet every expectation. It’s enough to show up for yourself, however that looks right now.
You Can Get Through This
If you’re in the trenches, here’s what I want you to remember:
You’re not broken. Burnout is a sign that you’ve been trying too hard for too long without enough support. It’s not a personal failure—it’s a human reaction.
Small steps count. You don’t have to fix everything today, tomorrow, or even next week. Start small. Drink some water. Take a break. Let yourself breathe.
You’re not alone. There’s strength in reaching out, whether it’s to a friend, a professional, or even just admitting to yourself that you’re struggling.
Finding Hope
I’m not going to wrap this up with a pretty bow and pretend I’ve figured it all out. I haven’t. But I believe there’s hope, even if I can’t see it right now. I believe we can find our way through this, one small step at a time.
So if you’re burnt out, exhausted, and barely hanging on, know this: it’s okay to feel that way. And it’s okay to take your time finding your way through it. You’re stronger than you think, and even if it doesn’t feel like it right now, you’re going to make it.
Take it one moment at a time. I’m right there with you.