To rest or not to rest...
IS that the question?
Deep down, I know that resting is one of the most productive things I can do.
And putting that in practice has been tremendously difficult.
You see, I’ve always joked that I have two speeds: Rabbit and Stop.
Either I’m running full speed ahead toward some goal,
Or I’m at a full-on stop
(usually asleep on the couch, in my pajamas, as soon as it gets dark.)
I’ve been this way my whole life.
And it’s suited me fine.
Until I realize that it hasn’t.
It turns out that a tired me doesn’t do things easily.
A tired me gets easily overwhelmed.
A tired me is cranky and frustrated.
A tired me is quick to quit.
But a rested me -
Watch out world!
But breaking patterns I’ve kept for a long time,
It’s not so easy to do.
I’ve spent much of the last two weeks in this weird place.
I left my 9-5 two weeks ago
And felt a push and pull -
A push to rest.
A pull to be productive.
And instead of making a clear choice,
I tried to satisfy both.
I tried to rest and be productive at the same time.
Spoiler alert: This didn’t turn out well for me.
I was not as rested I wanted to be.
I was not productive as I felt I should be.
And this opened up lots of opportunities
To beat myself up for not being good enough at either.
It was a crummy way to live.
(And really crummy to journal through.)
This weekend, though,
I changed my tune.
I decided that yesterday would be a day I rested completely.
I didn’t make a to-do list.
I didn’t create an unofficial list in my mind.
I just allowed myself to be.
I got up.
I sat in front of my sunniest window and read a book.
I chatted with a friend.
I watched some tv.
I exercised.
I read another book while I cozied up on the couch.
I ate pizza for dinner.
I put myself in bed by 9pm.
And I woke up this morning
Feeling calmer, more rested, and more peaceful than I’ve been in ages.
And when I sat down to plan my week,
Not only did I NOT overschedule myself,
I built in all sorts of rest.
Because rest takes many forms.
And all are needed.
I love the idea that rest doesn’t have to look the same every day.
I love the idea that rest doesn’t have to take a lot of time or energy.
I love the idea that I can incorporate rest throughout my day.
Today, I’ve carved out several rest blocks in my day.
And I know that I can build in more as needed.
That resting increases my capacity to show up for myself.
That resting is often the most productive thing I can do.
I hope you’ll give yourself a little extra rest today.
And a heaping dose of self-compassion.
You deserve it.
💛
Interested in having a process for reflecting on your year? We have a space for you in our Journaling for Growth Community.
This month, we’re focusing on our annual year-end reflection so we can be intentional about the way we move into the new year.
You’ll get access to both my proven end of year reflection process and our weekly magical group journaling sessions so you can:
Celebrate your wins and progress, big and small
Recognize patterns and lessons from the past year
Release unhelpful stories and expectations
Reconnect with your strengths and values
Feel renewed and ready to move forward with intention
This Week’s Journal Prompts:
Use these prompts as written or as inspiration to uncover what you need in your life this week. And know that I’m always here to support you and answer questions you have along the way!
What are your true feelings about rest?
What stories have you told yourself about your relationship with rest?
Are you giving yourself enough rest? How much more do you need?
What rest can you build in today? This week?
If you were truly rested, what could you do?
Happy Journaling!
