Giving myself permission to rest.

For a long time, I have struggled with giving myself permission to rest. Over these past few years I’ve learned that if I don’t take time to rest, then the universe will make me rest.

While being productive can be extremely helpful… hyper productivity, for me, can be extremely dangerous as it prevents myself from being present and staying grounded. This has also been commonly tied in with my anxiety and can become pretty stressful.

It wasn’t until treatment that I learned just how uncomfortable I truly am in remaining still or settled down in one place. I’ve learned that I’ve been able to escape my true self by keeping busy and ignoring the deeper connection to myself and my inner child.

I am now learning that my body and my soul both need rest. I have the choice to listen to how I’m feeling and then treat my body and soul accordingly.

Giving myself permission to rest has been quite difficult and also has been extremely necessary. How I take time to rest might be different than you and that is okay. Find what makes you feel most connected to yourself and your values.

My resting usually involves reading a good book, journaling, listening to some chill indie/alternative music and sometimes creating (digital art, collaging, and painting).

This rainy day in particular felt like a nice reset on my trip. I took a shower and spent the next few days at a friends house waiting out the rain.

I listened to some of my favorite songs, had some yummy tea, and worked on some things that aligned with my values.

It was lovely to feel connected and cared for by these two amazing humans who opened their home for me.

As I get ready to continue on the road to my new job of working at a national park, I am continuing to remind myself that it is okay to stop, rest and enjoy the view. After all, the slower I go, the more beauty I’m able to experience.