In this episode of Chronically Over It, Cait Pearson discusses the challenges of self-identity and the journey of self-discovery. She shares her experiences with survival identities, the importance of acknowledging oneself through mirror work, and the need for curiosity over criticism in self-reflection. Cait emphasizes the significance of building a new relationship with oneself, embracing one's true self, and recognizing that it's okay to be messy and human. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage with their own self-discovery journey.

She’s Hungry Podcast on Spotify

She’s Hungry Podcast on Apple

Takeaways

* Life evolves and changes, and so should our expectations.

* Self-identity can be built on survival mechanisms.

* Grief can manifest as self-hate when we don't recognize ourselves.

* Mirror work is about acknowledgment, not just acceptance.

* Curiosity over criticism fosters a healthier self-dialogue.

* Building a new relationship with oneself takes time and effort.

* It's okay to feel lost and unsure; you're not alone.

* Your worst days don't define your worth.

* Embrace the messiness of being human.

* You are worth getting to know, no matter your past.

Keywords

self-identity, personal growth, mental health, self-acceptance, trauma, self-discovery, podcast, personal development, authenticity, self-love

In this episode, Cait returns to the mic after a 1,600+ mile solo van trip across the Pacific Northwest and Canada. What was supposed to be a journey of clarity and solitude turned into something far more honest, and far more human. From Coeur d’Alene meltdowns to mountaintop revelations, Cait reflects on the emotional whiplash of living on the road, navigating uncertainty, and redefining what “home” really means.

She shares the messy middle of van life—managing power systems, finding safe places for her dog, and learning to surrender her expectations. This episode is for anyone feeling untethered, in transition, or unsure where they belong. Spoiler: the answer might not be a place—it might be you.

You’ll hear about:

* The truth about solo van life and executive dysfunction

* A very real meltdown in Coeur d’Alene (and what it taught her)

* Why routine tricks us into thinking we’re safe

* What it means to find home in a moment, not a map

* Why Cait is rebranding everything back to She’s Hungry

Keywords: van life podcast, solo travel mental health, finding home within yourself, neurodivergent travel story, redefining home, van life struggles, Coeur d'Alene van life, she's hungry podcast, Cait Pearson, emotional self-discovery, travel burnout recovery

🎧 Listen now and share with a friend who’s been searching for their place in the world.

In this episode, Cait explores the themes of self-discovery, health challenges, and the importance of community support. She shares her personal journey of navigating health issues, advocating for herself, and the impact of connection with others on her life. Cait emphasizes that limitations are often self-imposed and encourages listeners to embrace their passions and pursue their dreams with the support of a community.

Key Takeaways

You are not limited by your circumstances.

Creating a beautiful life is a personal journey.

Health challenges can lead to important choices.

Self-advocacy is crucial in healthcare decisions.

Community support is vital for personal growth.

Pursuing passions can lead to fulfillment.

Your past does not define your future.

Connection with others enhances life experiences.

Brave conversations can change your life.

You are here on purpose, and your dreams matter.

Hey, it’s Cait.

This week, I sat down to record an episode with no outline, no bullet points—just a full heart and a messy brain. The only thing I knew was that I needed to talk about this idea that’s been chasing me down lately:

What’s meant for you will not miss you.

I wrote it on my whiteboard. And then I added: No exceptions.

That part surprised me. Because if I really believed it, why would I feel the need to clarify that? Probably because somewhere deep inside, there’s still a part of me that thinks maybe I’m the exception. Maybe I’m the one person who could do all the right things and still end up empty-handed. Maybe I missed my window. Or made the wrong choice. Or stayed too long in the wrong story.

But then I think about the math of being alive—how the odds of existing as you are, in this moment, are 1 in 400 trillion. And I remember: That’s what a miracle is.

You are not here by accident. You are not behind. You are not broken. You are not the one person this won’t work out for.

You are on purpose.

Even if you’re limping toward what you want. Even if the timeline looks different than you imagined. Even if you’ve made decisions that don’t make sense to anyone but you.

Especially then.

I talked in the episode about how I’ve always made choices from a place of inner truth, even when they came with consequences I didn’t anticipate. At 16, I quit soccer (for only a season) after tearing my ACL—but that choice, for that one season, changed the trajectory of my life. But I knew it was the right decision, even when it hurt. Even when it didn’t make sense to other people.

And that’s how I’ve lived most of my life. Not with a five-year plan, but with an inner compass. And sometimes that compass points to places that feel terrifying. Sometimes it feels like walking blindfolded through the dark. But every time I trust it, it gets louder. Clearer.

The truth is, we don’t get to know how it ends. But we do get to choose how we show up in the middle.

And the middle is where the magic is.

So if you’re here—confused, tired, maybe even doubting if you’re still “on track”—I want you to remember this:

The way your heart aches? The way you cry at both sunsets and commercials? The way you feel too much, want too much, try so damn hard to make it all matter?

That’s not evidence that you’re too much. That’s proof you’re still open.

And that’s everything.

So no—you're not the exception.You're the evidence.That healing and hurting can coexist.That not knowing doesn't mean you're lost.That becoming is messy—and still sacred.

You’re not late.You’re just in it.And you’re doing the brave thing.

Keep going. No exceptions.

to the brave thing,

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

This episode was recorded rising from the trenches—not in the middle of the mess, but in that wobbly moment just after, when your body’s still tired and your spirit isn’t fully convinced yet.

I share a story I’ve never told before:

The year I baked my own birthday cake while crying on the kitchen floor. Four hours from home. Alone. In a relationship I didn’t yet recognize as abusive.My partner didn’t come home. But my grandmother did—she called me for my birthday, and I asked her for her yellow cake recipe. We laughed on the phone like everything was fine. She had no idea I was falling apart.

That moment—raw, silent, and private—became a turning point. I didn’t fix anything that day. But I didn’t abandon myself either. And that mattered.

In this episode, I also talk about:

The real, gritty, invisible work of healing

Tiny rituals that keep me anchored when I can’t function

Why “keep going” doesn’t have to look impressive

The emotional cost of unmasking

And how masking isn’t fake—it’s survival in a world that’s not built for us

This episode is a soft hand on your back if you’ve been running on fumes.

📖Resources + Mentions:

Read the Substack post → Chronically, Over It on Substack

📖 My upcoming book You Don’t Need Closure is almost here → Subscribe to make sure you don't miss launch day!

This week, I said the quiet part out loud: I hate brushing my teeth. And apparently, I’m not the only one.

In this episode of Chronically, Over It, I talk about the shame we carry over the “simple” things—like brushing our teeth, replying to a text, or taking a damn shower—and why they’re often not simple at all, especially if you’re neurodivergent or living in a chronically overstimulated body.

We explore what executive dysfunction actually looks like, how internalized productivity culture warps our self-worth, and what it means to stop moralizing the moments that overwhelm us.

Spoiler: You’re not lazy. You’re not gross. You’re not broken. You’re just tired. And you’re not alone.

In this episode:

The real reason “easy” tasks feel impossible sometimes

What executive dysfunction looks like in everyday life

Why shame is a terrible long-term motivator

How we accidentally punish ourselves for being misunderstood

A very real spiral about trying to make a boxing class work

Gentle reframes for those days when even brushing your teeth feels hard

If you’ve ever felt like the smallest tasks are the biggest battles—you’re not crazy. You’re just overstimulated. And you’re doing your best.

🧠 Listen now on Substack or your favorite podcast platform.💌 Need a pep talk? Check out Back-Pocket Pep Talks.🛠️ Join the newsletter for more real-talk tools, hot takes, and permission slips.

In today’s episode of Chronically, Over It, I’m getting real about that messy, terrifying, weirdly quiet place we all land in when we stop performing and start healing. Whether you just left a relationship, a job, or a version of yourself that used to keep you safe—you might be asking: Who even am I now?

I talk about:

The grief of becoming a softer, slower version of yourself

How healing can make you feel less ambitious (and why that’s okay)

Why your nervous system might be craving chaos even after you’ve cut ties

And what it really means to be “between selves”

If you’ve been unmasking, untangling, or just unlearning everything you thought you had to be, this one’s for you.

✨ Be the first to get info for the Limited Preorder for my new ebook You Don't Need Closure via sending me an email to [email protected] – For when you’re heartbroken, spiraling, or just done dating the same emotionally unavailable man in a different outfit.LINK → send email, [email protected] || SUBJECT: PREORDER INFO

🧠 Follow me on Threads: @heyy_itscaitt💌 Subscribe to the: Chronically, Over It newsletter

—

SEO Tags: heartbreak healing, letting go of identity, post-breakup clarity, ambition and burnout, self-worth recovery, nervous system regulation, unmasking ADHD, becoming yourself after trauma

In this episode, I explore the nuanced experience of feeling stuck—not as a lack of direction, but as a signal from our inner wisdom. Together, we examine how fear often masquerades as confusion, and how embracing discomfort can lead us to deeper self-trust and clarity.

If you’ve been overthinking, second-guessing yourself, or spiraling instead of moving forward, this episode is for you.

You’ll learn how to:

Tell the difference between confusion and fear (yes, there’s a real psychological reason you feel paralyzed)

Stop mistaking spiraling for problem-solving

Understand the neuroscience behind why your brain clings to “what if” instead of clarity

Use a 10-second reset to reconnect with your gut when you feel overwhelmed

Start building self-trust with small, brave actions

Move even when you're scared (without needing absolute certainty first)

This episode is packed with the insights and real-life strategies you need to stop doubting your decisions and start trusting the wisdom you already have inside you.

Back Pocket Pep-Talks:

For those moments when you need a quick, grounding reminder of your inner strength, check out my Back Pocket Pep-Talks. These brief audio clips are designed to support you in real-time, helping you navigate challenges with courage and clarity.

Access Back Pocket Pep-Talks

You’re not broken. You’re not confused.

You’re just standing at the edge of your own next chapter.

And your gut is trying to lead you there—if you’re willing to trust it.

In today’s episode, Cait breaks down why both “scarcity” and “abundance” have become performance traps—especially when your nervous system is fried.

This is for anyone who’s tried to gratitude-journal their way out of a panic spiral, who’s felt behind even while doing “all the right things,” and who’s wondering if maybe—just maybe—the whole mindset narrative is missing the point.

You’ll learn how to:

Understand the real psychology behind scarcity and why it’s not just a mindset

Recognize how abundance culture can become another form of pressure

Reclaim your goals by anchoring into felt experiences, not aesthetics

Get honest about what you actually want vs. what you think you should want

Redefine enoughness in your own terms (hint: it might look like a good couch and a slow morning)

Interrupt the “I’m behind” spiral with curiosity, not shame

This one is full of personal stories, nervous system wisdom, and that best-friend-meets-reality-check energy that reminds you:

✨ You are not the problem. The system is.

And if you’re stuck in scarcity spiral mode?

Cait’s Back Pocket Pep-Talks™ are ready to meet you right where you are—with short, supportive audio reminders that you’re doing better than you think you are.

You don’t need to vibrate higher.

You need to feel safe where you are.

The Truth About Boundaries (It’s Not Just Saying No)AKA why you still feel like an asshole even when you're protecting your peace.

You know that moment when you finally say “no”?Like, a real no. A no with your full chest.And instead of feeling empowered… you feel like you just ran over someone’s dog?

Yeah. That.

In this week’s episode of Chronically Over It, we’re pulling the curtain back on boundaries. Not the Pinterest-quote, affirmation-filled kind. The real kind—the ones that feel awkward, confronting, and sometimes leave you spiraling with guilt even though you know you did the right thing.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth:Saying no isn’t the boundary.It’s the expression of one.

A boundary doesn’t exist until it’s upheld—and that’s the part no one warns you about. Setting the line is easy. Holding it? That’s where things get spicy.

In this episode, I break down:

* Why most boundaries fail (hint: they’re set too late)

* The difference between setting a boundary and trying to control someone else's behavior

* What “pre-decided no’s” are and how they’ve saved my nervous system

* The identity shift that happens when you stop being everyone’s emotional support animal

* How to hold your line even when your voice shakes, your stomach drops, and the people around you don’t get it

And yeah… we talk about the grief, too.Because boundary work isn’t just about feeling more confident or being a “badass.”It’s about reclaiming energy, space, and self-respect.And that often means losing roles, dynamics, or even people who were benefitting from you not having any.

But you know what you gain?

Time.Peace.Integrity.Self-trust.

When I set boundaries this past year—real ones—I watched some friendships fade. Not because I stopped loving those people, but because I stopped abandoning myself to make them comfortable. And while it hurt like hell, it was also the moment I started rebuilding a relationship with the one person I’m stuck with for life: me.

This episode is for you if:

* You feel guilty every time you say no

* You keep setting boundaries, but nothing changes

* You’re emotionally intelligent, slightly codependent, and tired of being “the strong one”

* You’re ready to stop overexplaining and start choosing what actually feels right for you

This one’s a little longer, a little deeper, and very necessary.Because I’m over the fluffy boundary advice.We’re grown. We’ve got shit to do.And no one tells you this—but protecting your peace often doesn’t feel peaceful at first.

It feels like change.

And change is messy.

But if you're here, you're probably ready for the mess and the freedom on the other side of it.

🎧 Listen on Apple

🎧 Listen on Spotify

Okay, talk to you later. Love you, bye.