For months, I kept telling myself I was just tired. I'd wake up exhausted after a full night's sleep, drag myself through the day, and collapse on the couch feeling like I had nothing left to give. Work that used to energize me felt overwhelming, and I found myself snapping at people I cared about. I kept thinking if I could just power through, things would get better. But they didn't. I was running on empty and didn't even realize how empty the tank had become. The wake-up call came when I realized I'd stopped enjoying things that used to bring me joy. Everything felt like effort—even simple conversations with friends or activities I used to love. I wasn't just tired; I was completely depleted. I had to face the fact that the way I was working and living wasn't sustainable. The hardest part was admitting I needed to step back when everyone was counting on me, but I finally understood that I couldn't keep giving from an empty well. Recovery wasn't a quick fix—it was a gradual process of rebuilding my energy and rediscovering boundaries I'd let slip away. I had to learn to say no without guilt, to protect my time fiercely, and to recognize the early warning signs before I got to that breaking point again. Most importantly, I learned that rest isn't selfish; it's necessary. If you're feeling depleted, overwhelmed, or like you've lost yourself in the demands of life, I've walked that path and found my way back.