I still feel guilty when I cancel because I’m tired

Dear Delyara, Even when tiredness is the truth. Even when staying home is clearly the kinder choice for my body, my mood, and honestly everyone who would have to be around the false cheerful version of me if I went. Still, the guilt comes. It tells me I should make more effort, that other people manage, that maybe this is how life shrinks if you let it. And because I am already tired, that guilt can sound very convincing in the moment. Then the evening passes and I feel relief in my whole body, and that relief tells a different story. Usually the more honest one. I wish relief didn’t have to fight guilt so hard to be believed.