Scars, Stories and Social Fatigue

Today’s Topics

• There’s a Testimony to Everything 🔊

• Your Social Battery 🔋

  5 Mins Read Time

There’s a Testimony to Everything 🔊

By Jo

Life has a way of testing you in moments when you feel like you have nothing left to give. I’ve come to understand that every heavy situation, no matter how crushing it may feel at the time, carries with it a lesson — a testimony — that someone else might need later. What took me years to realize is this: my experiences weren’t just meant for me. They’re a vessel for someone else’s success, growth, and clarity. What helped me grasp this concept more fully was reflecting on the trials and tribulations of my father. I promise, that’s a long-winded conversation for another day — but attempting to see things through another lens, especially that of a parent or guardian, can help anyone start connecting the dots.

I’ve been blessed — or perhaps gifted — with the ability to make light of heavy situations. Not because they weren’t serious, but because I learned how to process pain without letting it define me. I’ve been pushed beyond the edge of what I thought I could handle, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually (numerous times). And each time I was able to come back stronger, it taught me how to avoid returning to that breaking point in the future — how to spot it, how to address it, and how to cope in a way that didn’t harm myself or anyone around me. If you need help figuring this out for yourself… Start documenting what is needed to feel wholesome again. Maybe… You have yet to discover this… Possibly those feelings will never be restored… Guess what? It does not hurt to exercise all options to put your health back into Good Standing!!!!

Because let’s be real — nobody wants to “crash out.” That point of no return can feel like it’s creeping up on you fast, and in a moment of pain, you can do something that undoes years of hard work. Or worse, generations of progress. Sometimes, what’s weighing on you is bigger than just you. You’ve got legacy behind you. You’ve got eyes watching. And all it takes is one bad choice under pressure to break something that took years to build.

Luckily, I’ve been through enough to know — it’s never worth it. There’s always another way. And your testimony is proof of that. This is not about what I’ve discovered in my personal journey. This is all about You & What’s necessary for you to address some troublesome situations in order to avoid a potential catastrophe.

Take care of yourself before you’re no longer able - Longevity means something.

Your Social Battery 🔋

By Marcus

Have you ever just felt tired of talking to people? If your day-to-day work involves constant client or people interaction, it can really take a toll.

Being more on the introverted side, my ideal day typically involves chilling out by myself. One thing I’ve always struggled to explain is what it feels like to be “maxed out socially.”

This is my first real attempt to put it into words, and my hope is that it gives others experiencing the same thing something they can share to help others understand.

We Are Not the Same

Some people don’t realize how much energy it takes for others to be social.

For them, being around people is energizing. They thrive on interaction. The more they talk, the more alive they feel.

But not everyone is wired that way. Some think of exhaustion only in physical terms, but that’s short-sighted. I know people (myself included) who need to retreat and that’s often misread as being rude, antisocial, or unfriendly.

That’s not the case.

You can only push through so many conversations before you hit a wall. And the more you force it, the longer it takes to bounce back. A nap or an afternoon off doesn’t always refill the tank.

You know as well as I do that some people simply drain more energy than others.

In my experience, it’s better to sit something out if I’m not up for it. Otherwise, what’s meant to be connection becomes more of just getting through the required interactions and nothing more.

Recharge on Your Terms

Maintaining social stamina is a balancing act. You have to stay aware of your limits while also managing how others perceive your behavior. Sometimes, choosing rest over socializing is seen as selfish or even strange.

There are days when all your energy gets used up dealing with difficult clients or coworkers. Maybe your job requires constant face-to-face interaction with challenging or rude people. You don’t love the job, but you need it.

In that case, what matters more: maintaining your professionalism to protect your income, or saving energy to be present at a social gathering?

That’s the tradeoff many of us face. It’s draining — but it’s reality.

No one can be “on” all the time. Your health and peace matter. Take the time you need to restore your balance. It won’t always be convenient for others, but it’s necessary for you.

I may not have explained it perfectly, but if you’ve ever struggled to communicate your need for space or “me time,” feel free to share this. Maybe it’ll help bridge the gap or at least start the conversation.

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