Episode 28

Tired of Caring So Much? It's Okay If You Need a Break

Published on: 12th November, 2025

If you’re someone who feels deeply, stays informed, holds space for others, and tries to care about the world, you know how heavy that can get. Compassion fatigue is real. And sometimes, your heart just needs a break.

This short reflection reminds you that it’s okay to feel worn out from caring. It doesn’t mean you’re cold or selfish. It means you’re human. You’re allowed to rest your empathy muscles and protect your own well-being.

You’ll come back to it when you’re ready. But for today, you can set it down.

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Transcript

00:06

Hey, this is It's Okay If, bite-sized permission slips. I'm Maculhuli, and today's permission, it's okay if you feel tired of caring so much. If you're someone who feels deeply, who shows up for others, who stays informed, who holds space for things that matter, you know how heavy that can get. Compassion fatigue is real. The constant hum of there's more to worry about wears you down.

00:34

even when your heart is in the right place. I felt this, whether it's in my personal life, holding space for grief, for others, for myself, or even through the LifeShift podcast where every conversation is real, raw, human. Sometimes it's a lot. And there have been days where I've thought, I'm just tired of caring so much. Not because I don't want to care, but because I'm human and capacity has limits.

01:05

If you're feeling that today, it doesn't make you cold or selfish or bad. It makes you a perfect human. It's okay to rest your caring muscles. It's okay to pause your empathy for a minute. It's okay to take a break from holding everything. You'll come back to it when you're ready, but for now, you're allowed to put it down. So if you're up for it, tell yourself, I give myself permission to rest from caring so much.

01:34

I can step back to protect my own wellbeing. That's your permission slip, friend. Tuck it in your pocket and I'll see you next time.

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About the Podcast

It’s Okay If… Permission Slips for Mental Health, Self-Acceptance, and Growth
Bite-Sized Permission Slips for Real Life
What if you didn’t need to have it all figured out?

It’s Okay If… is your weekly permission slip to be human.

I created this short-form podcast as part of my own healing process — a way to slow down, process grief, and reconnect with what I was feeling.

Each bite-sized episode (just 3 minutes or less) offers a short, honest reflection to challenge perfectionism, embrace your real self, and remind you that you're not alone.

Hosted by Matt Gilhooly, creator of The Life Shift Podcast, this show delivers midday nudges of self-acceptance, insight, and calm – whether you're walking the dog, stuck in traffic, or just need a breath.

No fluff. No fixing. Just a moment of truth.

New episodes every Wednesday at noon. Follow wherever you get your podcasts.

About your host

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Matt Gilhooly