My level of self awareness is such that I'm able to see how my high-capacity stress narrative aids in my breakdowns and burnouts. I became a willing participant in my own overload. I'd say things to myself like If I don't help them who will? Or God gave me a high threshold for stress to handle more weight. That's the one, right there. Convincing myself that saying no was the equivalent of abandoning people.

Now, I operate from this space: High capacity isn't unlimited capacity. Explaining that NO means that I want to give you all the energy and focus that you're in need of but there is something demanding more of me at this time.