I used to think that the word rest was a negative word. I knew it existed, but I figured rest was what you did after everything else was done. Rest was a reward for productivity in my mind.
I was always the first to say “I’ve got this under control. I like being busy, I’m doing fine, rest is for the weak, I get 7-8 hours of sleep a night so make every minute awake count.”
I’ve always enjoyed being busy. I thrived off of it.
Then the descent started.
All of my effort, all of my caring and pouring out starting falling into dust. As time wore on, so did my mental capacity, my strength, my emotional battle with not being able to be everything to everyone. My heart was in the right place, my intentions were solid, and I was giving everyone my best – but it was my best shared amongst 100 different things and 40 different people.
I was checking everything off my to do list rapidly, but at the cost of losing fullness of what I could have in all my relationships, work, life, and personal health.
All because I didn’t stop and invest in rest.
I think rest honestly looks differently to everyone.
I decided to start making small changes because the thought of change was so overwhelming at first.
Now I take baths, I go for walks with my family, I cook dinner instead of rolling through a restaurant to pick it up all the time.
I’m intentional. I read, I watch movies, I go for walks. AND, because balance exists, I work, I spend time with friends, I cook for our family. I say yes, but I will often say no as well as not now. Unashamedly, without guilt. I don’t explain my reasons for everything to everyone because I know what I need.
I breathe a lot easier now too.
It’s not selfish, but it is wise. Your investment in rest is an investment in how you spend the rest of your life.
Rest is not a reward.
Rest is a necessity. Slowing down is crucial.
I hope you have an amazing, restful, peaceful week!
Yours in health,
Lauren
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