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

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 sometimesWhat executive dysfunction looks like in everyday lifeWhy shame is a terrible long-term motivatorHow we accidentally punish ourselves for being misunderstoodA very real spiral about trying to make a boxing class workGentle reframes for those days when even brushing your teeth feels hardIf 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. Get full access to The Table at caitpearson.substack.com/subscribe