Ever studied your heart out for a big test… only to sit down and feel like you accidentally signed up for a pop quiz on an alien planet?

That was me with the PMP exam.

For those unfamiliar: The PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is a globally recognized credential for project managers. It’s known for being rigorous — covering everything from Agile to Waterfall, risk management, resource juggling, and more. It’s basically the Olympics of project management exams.

If you’ve ever felt like the system wasn’t built for your brain, you’re not alone.

“I didn’t go because the anxiety magically disappeared—I went because I love someone, and I’ve finally learned how to support myself through the spiral. Bravery didn’t show up with a battle cry. It showed up with a water bottle, a planned route, and a backup exit strategy. It was quiet, slightly sweaty, and very much on edge—and still, it counted.”

If you’ve ever RSVP’d “maybe” to life because your brain preloaded all the worst-case scenarios before you could even get dressed, you are not alone. This one’s for the quietly courageous and the crowd-sensitive heroes among us.