Cognitive / Split /

Overanalysis is my superpower (curse) I see what others miss (miss what others see) I replay every word (forget how it felt) I read between the lines (erase the original text)

I’m always alert (always exhausted) The silence soothes me (unsettles me) I solve problems in seconds (question them for hours)

The Default Mode hums in rest (keeps me from resting) My Prefrontal Cortex plans escape routes (never lets me leave) My Amygdala warns of danger (in eye contact) My ACC flags an error (in a smile)

I’m aware of everything (lost in everything) I crave meaning (choke on it) I build stories from microexpressions (tear down real ones) I trust logic (but feel everything) I stay in control (of losing control)

I hold the moment close (until it breaks) I think deeply (fall too deep) I want peace (but not at the cost of understanding)

I tell myself: “You’re just being careful” (“You’re just being afraid”)

And in the end — I learn a little more (forget what it was like to feel less.)

— Faries