Exhausted but Evolving: Pushing Through Life’s Tough Moments

Grey Days

I’m tired. The kind of tiredness that sleep doesn’t seem to fix. The kind that darkens the skin under your eyes and makes everything feel just a little heavier. People tell me I look exhausted. I feel it. My usual ways of recharging aren’t working, and I wonder—am I doing too much? Is it the coffee? Am I overstimulated?

Today, my son had a wrestling tournament. I felt the energy, the adrenaline. I got worked up too—maybe more than I should have. He won his first match but lost the next two. He thought he was done, but he had one more to go. He sat there, tears welling in his eyes, exhausted, asking if we could just go home. I saw myself in him in that moment—the exhaustion, the frustration, the desire to just quit.

I told him what I would tell a friend, a client, or a loved one. Champions push hardest when they want to give up. I reminded him that he was part of a team and that the odds were still in his favor. I got him some Gatorade, and he went out there and won—by pinning, which is

an automatic win. I asked him how it felt. He smiled. I hope he’ll remember that feeling. And then, we got ice cream. Now, he’s soaking in a warm Epsom salt bath, singing, splashing, letting the day fade away. I’m so proud of him.

And yet… I feel off. Like the world around me is slightly out of focus. It’s a cold, grey winter day, and I find myself wondering—am I depressed? A car pulled up in front of my house, and I instantly looked for my animals, remembering the last time a car stopped there. But this time, a man got out with flowers. I thought he had the wrong house. It’s February 2nd—my sister-in-law’s birthday, Groundhog Day. He asked for me by name. I was shocked. I started to cry. Relief washed over me—my animals were okay. But guilt crept in too. Did I deserve this kindness? My house is a mess. I don’t know what to make for dinner. My son is happy, yet I feel sad.

I made an appointment with my doctor. Maybe it’s a vitamin deficiency, maybe I caught something, maybe it’s something more. I always assume the worst, but that’s why I’m getting checked. Still, I wonder—why did I let it get this bad before I made the call? The truth? I’m too busy. There’s never enough time. But that means I need to make time. I need to be mindful, to focus on what matters.

I’m pretty sure I’m dehydrated. I know I’m not sleeping well (thanks, pets). My diet is off. My body is inflamed. My hormones feel out of whack—acne, hair thinning, the whole mess. I don’t have all the answers, but I do know this: if you’re reading this and feeling something similar, you are not alone.

Sometimes, we just have to sit with the discomfort. I’ve been here before. I’ve done what I could—binged a show and let time pass. And I got better. A lot better. Challenges come to level us up, and leveling up is never easy. But if you’re here, it means you’re ready. Tell yourself that. This is your story. Play the soundtrack that fits this moment—melancholy, angry, determined. Because the next scene is coming. This is the part that makes your journey interesting. The part where your character is built. The part where people watch and believe in you. I believe in you.

If something feels off, seek help. Maybe it’s blood levels, parasites, hormones—so many things can throw you out of balance. Get checked. Get a second opinion. But above all, take care of yourself because this is the part we have to get through. And we will.