Permission to Rest

It has been a rough start to the new year. January felt like the longest month despite enjoying some fun times in the snow with friends. Melissa and I were knocked down with the flu, she broke her wrist, and I threw out my back. Add that to an already-gloomy and emotionally-tough time of year in the northeast and every day feels like an uphill battle. We’re healing on all fronts, but it’s been slow going.

No matter how often I remind my clients to give themselves permission to rest, have a pity party, or hide under the covers all day, I struggle to let myself do the same. There’s too much to do, after all! There are emails to write, classes to teach, dishes to wash, meals to prepare. The world doesn’t stop spinning because I’m not feeling well. (Although it really should).

Unfortunately (or fortunately), the flu doesn’t allow you to push through. I had no choice but to sleep and cancel appointments. I had to trust that the sky wouldn’t fall if I took time off. I’m so grateful for the amazing tribe of trailblazers in my membership community who sent along only well wishes when I rescheduled my Weight Clutter webinar.

Why are we so able to encourage others to check out for a bit yet so hesitant to cut ourselves some slack? Our ego is quick to chime in and tell us how disappointed people will be, how unprofessional it looks, and how bad of a friend or partner we are if we rest. Instead of fighting against it, we need to address this chatter.

Clearing this resistance clutter is key to replenishing and refueling. To help you give in to what your soul is calling for, let’s respond to our ego with compassion and love.

“So what if we appear unprofessional.”

“Real friends will understand if we’re sick.”

“Taking time to get better is essential for ourselves and all involved.”

Don’t believe the lies of your ego. Instead, hear them for what they are — cries of fear likely stemming from an old story you’re telling yourself about what makes up your worth. Gently challenge them. Ask yourself how true they are. Find any holes in the plots. Play the fear out. And then show them there’s nothing to be scared of by doing precisely what they say you shouldn’t.

By ignoring our body and soul’s needs, we reinforce a message that we don’t matter; that others are more important than we are. We validate the outdated beliefs telling us our value is based on what we do instead of who we are.

It’s time to listen to our bodies and our spirits and learn that our core needs are more important than any external “to do.”

Now if you’ll excuse me, the couch and a cozy blanket are calling my name.