As an empathetic person, I often find myself caught in a cycle of overthinking that keeps me from staying present in the moment. Even though I try to be thoughtful and kind, my tendency to overthink can leave me feeling overwhelmed and anxious. I think this is partly because of some of the coping mechanisms I developed as a kid, when I was trying to navigate difficult situations without fully understanding them.

For me, asking questions has always been a challenge. I worry that I’m bothering people or that my questions are too basic. This fear makes it difficult for me to seek help, even when I’m struggling with something. Instead, I tend to rely on my own overactive mind to try to solve problems.

One of the biggest obstacles I face in staying present is my own internal dialogue. I’m constantly thinking about other people’s struggles and how I can help them, which leaves me with little mental space to focus on myself. While I think it’s important to be empathetic and caring, I also know that I need to prioritize my own needs and well-being.