Ep 13. Thoughts on Self-Trust, Grief, and Becoming Who You Really Are

Ep 13. Thoughts on Self-Trust, Grief, and Becoming Who You Really Are

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 [https://open.spotify.com/show/6hA2m3JYqQ6blK4Sirpbrc?si=d37edba3765e475e] She’s Hungry Podcast on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shes-hungry-podcast/id1697010936] 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 Get full access to The Table at caitpearson.substack.com/subscribe [https://caitpearson.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Ep. 12 Thoughts on Letting The Journey Change You

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. Get full access to The Table at caitpearson.substack.com/subscribe [https://caitpearson.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Ep. 11 Thoughts on Big Dreams and Creating What You Need

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. Get full access to The Table at caitpearson.substack.com/subscribe [https://caitpearson.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Ep. 10 Thoughts on Purpose, Truth, Magic, and Miracles

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, Get full access to The Table at caitpearson.substack.com/subscribe [https://caitpearson.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Ep. 9 Thoughts on How To Keep Going (When You Really, Really Don’t Want To)

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 [http://caitpearson.substack.com] 📖 My upcoming book You Don’t Need Closure is almost here → Subscribe to make sure you don't miss launch day! Get full access to The Table at caitpearson.substack.com/subscribe [https://caitpearson.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]