Let Go of “Fine”—Choose Rest, Choose Real

A friend asked me recently how I was doing. Without skipping a beat, I blurted out something like: “I feel like a bit of a crazy person today. I’ve got a mountain of things to do, and I’m running on a mix of adrenaline and good intentions—but hey, it’s all good stuff!”

That’s the truth. Most days, my life is full—beautifully full. But it’s also fragile. And I’m no longer pretending I’m “fine.”

Ten years ago, I would’ve defaulted to “I’m fine” without even thinking about it. I’d smile, nod, maybe toss in a “just tired” for flair. But behind that fine? A simmering overwhelm. A nervous system quietly screaming for a break. A heart weighed down by all the things I was holding without ever asking for a hand.

Let’s be honest: Fine is a lie we tell to survive a pace that isn’t sustainable.

We live in a world where “fine” has become the socially acceptable way of saying, “I’m holding it together with duct tape and coffee.” But just past the edge of fine is a pit—and it's filled with burnout, resentment, adrenal fatigue, and the quiet grief of never really being seen.

Here's the truth bomb:

Being “fine” is often code for “I’m afraid to admit I need rest, help, or permission to just be human.”

But what if we stopped towing that line? What if we let go of the illusion of balance and admitted we were tired—not because we’re broken, but because being constantly “on” is unnatural?

What if instead of choosing “fine,” we chose real?

Chose to say:

• “Actually, I’m worn out today and need a break.”
  
  

• “Can I ask for some help without explaining why?”
  
  

• “I’m going to rest now. Not when I’m done—because I never will be—but now.”
  
  

We weren’t made to hustle 24/7. We were made to flow with nature’s rhythms, to pause, to exhale, to nap without guilt, and to lean on each other when the load gets heavy.

So here's your invitation:
Ditch the “fine.” Embrace the full truth. And for the love of your future self—rest.

Not as a reward for pushing through, but as a radical act of self-respect.
Let rest be your rebellion. Let asking for help be your strength. Let the full truth of your heart be what leads your day—not your to-do list.

Because life isn’t about surviving with a brave face.
It’s about living fully—with your feet on the ground, your body aligned, and your soul fully awake.