I Quit My Superwoman Job

 Cape is in the Laundry

Have you ever felt like life cast you as the lead in everyone else’s drama? The all-knowing, ever-available savior who’s supposed to have it all together? Yeah, same here. For years, I’ve been the Rajinikanth of my own life—a multitasking legend who said yes to everything, forgot how to say no, and somehow convinced myself that this was what being “good” looked like. And let me tell you, it wasn’t heroic—it was exhausting.

I thought being there for everyone made me a better person. A better daughter, sister, companion, friend, and a professional. In my head, I was racking up imaginary trophies for Best Human of the Century. But here’s the twist, no one keeps track of the awards you think you’re earning. No one remembers the sacrifices you’ve made. And somewhere along the way, I lost pieces of myself.

I lost my dancing feet. The rhythm I once felt in my soul now feels like a distant memory. My poetry? It died quietly while I was too busy writing to-do lists for everyone else. And you know what? No one even noticed.

I’ve spent years talking about boundaries like I’m the keynote speaker at the Self-Care Olympics. I’ve given lectures to college students on “prioritizing themselves” and “honoring their needs.” Meanwhile, my own boundaries have been about as effective as a wet tissue. I’ve been a 24/7 vending machine for everyone’s needs, and guess what? I’m out of stock.

This year, I’ve officially retired from the superhero gig. My new mantra? “Belong to myself first.” It’s not about cutting ties or shirking responsibilities; it’s about finally showing up for me. It’s about saying, “I’m tired,” or, “I can’t do this,” without the guilt hangover. It’s about reclaiming the parts of me that I’ve neglected for far too long.

Am I suddenly a boundary expert? Absolutely not. But I’m learning to speak up. To ask for help. To admit that I can’t do it all—and that’s okay. And let’s face it, being Rajinikanth is overrated anyway. There are so many other roles to explore, and this time, I’m casting myself as the lead in my own story.

So, if you’ve been running yourself into the ground trying to do it all, maybe it’s time to pause. Take a step back. Reflect on what you’ve lost—and decide what you want to reclaim. Life doesn’t need you to be a superhero; it just needs you to be human. And that’s enough.

This isn’t about being selfish, and it’s definitely not about being rude. It’s about realizing that you can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s about taking care of yourself so you can actually be there for others. And if anyone calls you selfish for it? Just smile, hand them your old superhero cape—you’re retired now.

 

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