I looked at my face in the mirror and thought, you’re worn out

Dear Delyara, There was something in my expression tonight that was more than tired. A kind of flattening. The look of someone who has given too many appropriate responses in one day and has not yet had time to be fully herself between them. Usually when I look tired, I move straight to criticism. You should sleep more. You should cope better. You should be more disciplined, more organised, more resilient, more something. Tonight, unexpectedly, I just thought: of course you look worn out. Look at what the day asked from you. That felt kinder than usual. And more truthful too.