I used to think 'burnout' was a badge of honor, proof I was working hard enough to care. Now I see it's just my nervous system screaming for a hostage negotiation. I chased that badge so hard, convinced I was building something. Turns out, I was mostly building resentment and a caffeine dependency that took years to dismantle. Now I see rest as structural, not some luxury I earn after proving my worth. I remember the weird pride I took in being "too busy" to eat lunch. Like my self-neglect was some kind of flex. Now, if I skip a meal, it's a sign I'm sliding back, and the first thing I do is order a damn sandwich.