Rest, Relax, Restore!

Do you remember the last time you took care of yourself? When was the last time you did something fun or, did nothing at all? It really is ok to just be. There are far too many things that we feel we HAVE to do, none of which involves doing nothing.

Society has taught us that we have to be busy, and productive, all the time. We are taught as young children to do things, to play, to do homework, to be active. What I do not remember is anyone, either at home or in school, suggesting that I just relax, daydream, or do nothing. Once I was old enough to work, (at that time it was age 12), then I got a job so I was more productive and earning an income. Until last year, I have always been working. It has been such a glorious and rejuvenating year not to HAVE to work outside of home! I have had time to sit outside and rendevous with the birds, bask in the sunshine, take walks, visit friends, and spend time with my parents.

Not having a time dictated and regimented schedule has allowed me to fill my days as I desire. I have learned that there are days that I feel inspired to work on my next book, create another blog post, work on new recipes, volunteer my time, get in contact with friends from the past, exercise, go outside for a walk, and more. There are also days, however, that I feel the inspiration to just be. Those are the days that I allow myself time to take care of myself. On those days, I may meditate for hours, take a long walk outside, take a nap, study about subjects that help me grow and move me forward on my path, take a bath, have tea with a friend, and so on. Some people may call that procrastinating, but I call it the utmost in productivity. When we allow ourselves to rest and fill up on the good stuff in life, it allows us to be more productive. When I feel compelled to get to work again and move forward, then I feel energized to do so and I can get a lot done. The key here is to listen to your body!

I realize that most of you have a regular job where you have to be at a certain place at a certain time, but on your off time, you get to do what you want to do. Perhaps you have felt a push from inside to research a new topic, or look for another job, or write a letter to a friend, or to visit with a family member. Maybe you feel compelled to clean your house, giving it a really, deep clean and decluttering. Whatever it is you are feeling, it is important to honor that part of yourself. Get in tune with what is going on inside. The best way to connect with this inner voice, or highest self, is to be still and listen. What is that voice telling you? Is it time to finish a project that you have put off because you did not feel compelled to finish it? Or is it telling you that you are pushing yourself too hard and it is time to rest and take care of yourself? Whatever that voice is telling you, it is important to follow through.

Paying attention to your body's signs and signals is the best way to be productive and happy. Since I learned to honor me, there are days where I get so much done I am amazed with myself! Then there are days that I get a few things accomplished, but I have been able to rest and rejuvenate myself to carry on again to another day. It is time to let go of societal conditioning, and that old conditioning of our parents, and find what is good for ourselves. When I feel I need a day to rest and think and take care of me, I am gentle and accepting of this decision, and easy with myself. It will not be a day of rest and restoring if you get upset with yourself for being lazy or being unproductive. Being "lazy" is only a word that means what we allow it to mean. Take the meaning and emotion out of it and it simply means taking care of you! So today, or perhaps this weekend, take care of you! The housework can be divided among everyone so there is less for you to do, or it can just sit and wait until you are ready to tackle it. Rest, relax and restore are three words that we need to look at again in this productivity-driven world. Allow yourself time to rest and you will feel, and behave, in a much happier way. Also, do not worry or care about what others have to say if you choose to take care of you. They are coming from a place of not understanding or honoring themselves. They judge others because it makes them feel better. Trust yourself to know what you need and listen to the voice that is your highest self. When you do, it is the best way of helping take care of others as you give them the best of who you are. So go on and take care of you! You will be glad you did!

#honoryourself #rest #relax #letgo #timeforyou #highestself