Chronically Over It Podcast

Ep 8. Thoughts on Shame, Toothpaste, and the 'Easy Things' That Aren’t Actually Easy


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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.



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Chronically Over It PodcastBy Cait Pearson