Hero Status Not Required

A Pep Talk from Tariq

(Reaper in Recovery, Occasional Disaster, 100% Done with Expectations)

Hey, How long you gonna keep trying to hold everything together with duct tape and whatever energy you’ve got left after pretending you’re fine? I just want to let you know that it’s fine to not be fine every now and then. You have already proven you can do many things.

You’ve been the strong one. The dependable one. The “Don’t worry I got it” person, even when you are one burned cup of coffee away from building a blanket fort and admitting that you don’t got it.

Let’s not pretend today. I’ll say this, as someone who’s literally fought death in a hoodie with nothing but a half-charged scythe and a bad attitude:

You are not required to be the hero.

It’s totally okay to not have a ten-step plan for how you will get your life back on track. Today saving the day is optional. If you want to stay in bed, do it. You don’t need to rise from the ashes every time life sets you on fire…you’re not a phoenix.

Somedays you just need to survive long enough to brush your teeth, drink some water and ignore your e-mails.

The burnout gremlins in your brain lie to you. Those pesky things keep saying, “You’re failing because you’re tired and if you rest now you’ll be a failure.”
But the truth is: you’re tired because you’ve been pushing yourself into and through too many fires. Being in a fire storm too long hurts your lungs.

You are what resilience looks like in real life. Who knows one day maybe someone will put your name on motivational posters. If they do please sign it for me, and send it my way.

You’re not less for needing a break. You’re just human. Or reaper-adjacent. Now go meditate and remember: Today hero status is not required.

So here’s your permission slip: Rest. Say no. Be mid-level functional and consider that a huge win for the week.
While we’re at it take off the hero cape and stuff it in the top of your closet behind those Pokémon cards you swear will be worth something one day (I got a Vulpix and a Pikachu I’ve been holding onto). Wear a hoodie instead (black looks good on everyone). Or a blanket if that’s your vibe—I don’t judge. Whatever you wear make sure its comfy. Now go enjoy the day.

- Tariq out.