Welcome, dear friend. Come on in and make yourself comfortable.
Rest. That’s what I’d love to dive into with you today.
What’s your relationship with it?
For the first time, arguably ever, I’ve developed an appreciation for rest that I’m proud of. My brain and body believe that it's ok to rest. It’s ok to take a break. It’s ok to do nothing.
When I’m resting I no longer latch onto the thoughts that tell me versions of Resting is indulgent, I don’t have time to be doing this, or If I had more drive I wouldn’t need this.
I rest because my body or brain is tired and I care enough to listen. Period.
Resting builds trust between me, my body, and my mind. It allows my body and brain to express exhaustion in a space they know they’ll be heard in. I don’t push my brain to go harder when it needs a break. I don’t ignore my body when it’s expressing signs of fatigue. I listen with interest and humility because I care about how my body and brain feel. I want to make time for their rest—for my rest. Rest has evolved into such a priority for me that I will move events and to-do list items to create time for it, which not too long ago, felt like an impossibility.
Rest has become a practice in the same way going to yoga and choosing to eat nourishing foods for my body are a practice. I am committed to the practice of rest because I’ve seen the returns on my physical and mental health, including a depth of trust that makes me feel unshakeable. I have my own back, including on the days I need rest, and that is a welcome revelation.
Rest is an option, and as a reminder, it's ok to choose it. It's ok to temporarily let the chores list go. It’s ok to make time to nurture yourself, not only when you’re on the verge of burnout, but before. It’s ok to listen to what your body and mind need and adapt, especially if what they need doesn’t fit into your plans.
Resting is a choice and choosing it can be an act of self-care and self-respect. It doesn’t have to be earned. It doesn’t have to come with attachments. It doesn’t have to be the same day or same hour every week. Resting is dynamic. It’s a tool. A gift. A sanctuary. Something we can give to ourselves just because.
⏸ Pause
Today, take a moment to get curious about your relationship with rest.
Think through what you believe about rest—Is it earned? Are you allowed to rest just because? Why or why not?—and whether you currently prioritize it. Then, consider whether you’d like to adapt your relationship to it.
It’s always a pleasure meeting up, my friend. Rest easy. Rest often. Rest well. I’ll catch you next time.
With love today and every day,
L/Booch
Our relationship with rest oftentimes comes from our families, don't you think? My mom was made to feel guilty about "not doing something" when she was a child so she intentionally worked to enjoy taking time off as an adult. She helped me be comfortable with taking time to do nothing, and yet I still feel guilty at times, resting on a beautiful day when I should be outside enjoying the day and "doing something." So many of these attitudes are formed during childhood...
Thank you for your peaceful newsletters!