Day 7: Rest Day

I’ve always found it necessary to set aside times to rest and recharge. If I don’t do it on purpose, it doesn’t happen for me. I used to be able to get those moments when the girls were in school, but these days, I’m a teacher and a mom and a writer. So now, Sunday afternoons are that for me.

I’d like to encourage you, whether you’re working on this community thing or not, to take some true self-care time this afternoon. The world is chaotic right now and there is hard work to be done, both in ourselves and to help others. But pouring from an empty bucket is not a good idea. Even if time proves scarce, take 15 minutes to do one thing that feeds you. Can you sit outside? Can you savor a cup of coffee? Can you sit and close your eyes and just breathe for a little while?

It’s not weakness to need a break. I have found that it takes great strength for me to admit and embrace that rest is as important as work. When I am in my most difficult moments, I don’t know how to slow down and rest. I get harried, frustrated, and brittle. There’s a lot of vulnerability in admitting that we can’t just muscle through and that our bodies and minds require us to care for them.

Consider today caring for yourself, even if it’s only for a few moments.