25 Comments
User's avatar
Dipti  Vyas's avatar

Mike, you trace burnout back to its true terrain, the workplace—not as a momentary strain, but a slow unmaking that follows us home and speaks through us.

There’s a point where exhaustion stops asking politely and starts speaking in tone, silence, absence. By then, it isn’t about boundaries so much as recognition. Not later, not after one more push, now.

Rest, before the self that could choose it quietly disappears.

PancakeSushi's avatar

You said it, Dipti. I slept 10 hours last night

Dipti  Vyas's avatar

Good for you buddy!

PancakeSushi's avatar

I know, that's a miracle for any of the insomniacs I know here

Dipti  Vyas's avatar

You talkin’ to me??

The awakend DM's avatar

Thank you for your openess.

PancakeSushi's avatar

Thank you for reading!

What is it?'s avatar

Thank you for this!

PancakeSushi's avatar

Thank you for reading!

Phoeby's avatar

This poem feels very honest and real. I like how it shows that burnout is not just about being tired, but about losing emotional and mental balance too. It also says something important: if we ignore our limits for too long, that pain follows us everywhere. It’s a strong reminder that taking care of ourselves is not selfish, but necessary.

PancakeSushi's avatar

Thank you Phoeby

Miles Hack's avatar

The explanatory statement herein I think has the possibility to save so many. Our personal needs are eclipsed so often that we usually don’t even acknowledge them, much less express it to our bread&butter. Perfect rationale Mike 👌 glad it was exacted

PancakeSushi's avatar

Thank you Miles

Robert's avatar

Wonderful wisdom from a man with one of the most caring hearts. If you listen to anyone, listen to P.S.

PancakeSushi's avatar

Thank you Robert

Norma Frank's avatar

Happiness is not just something some people have. It’s a way of looking at yourself. Bitching and complaining is something you may have to do but it can’t be everything. Pay attention to what you like about your life, to your loved ones, to the people you like that you associate with, to the grass and the trees, to the many things that you like about living in a city or living in the country, to the good things in your life. Look at the likable thing, no matter how few. And look for the things you enjoy, no matter how few you think there are. There’s more than you think if you just look. And then get on with life. But always spend some time just thinking and musing. You’ll feel better, and feeling better builds up more feeling better. Yes, if you’re unhappy, it takes some doing. But happiness is there. You just have to find it inside yourself.

PancakeSushi's avatar

Thank you Norma

Data Frank's avatar

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it’s the only way to keep going without burning out.

Even small breaks, saying no, or asking for help can make a difference.

PancakeSushi's avatar

Exactly, thank you Data Frank

Data Frank's avatar

You’re welcome

Kimi•Ma•Kai's avatar

It is the body that determines the mind-set, by a mind that thinks it’s in control.

PancakeSushi's avatar

Thank you KimiMaKai, I won't twist myself in that pretzel 😅

AKS REFLECTIONS's avatar

A much needed reminder. When your inner voice speaks, pay heed 🙏🏽

PancakeSushi's avatar

Thank you very much for reading!