I used to feel like I had to be falling apart to be worthy of rest.
That I had to reach depletion to deserve a break.
But rest isn't a reward,
It's a right.
This is a small reminder.
You don't have to earn your rest.
You don't have to prove that you're tired enough,
Overwhelmed enough,
Or depleted enough to take a moment for yourself.
Taking time to rest and reset is not a sign that you're failing.
It's not a weakness.
It's a profound act of love.
Love for yourself and love for those that you care for.
Because when you allow yourself to truly rest,
Even just for a moment,
You model something powerful.
You show those around you,
Those that you care for,
And your children,
That it is safe to listen to their bodies,
To trust their needs,
And to honor themselves.
Rest is not something you need to earn.
Rest is not something that you collapse into at the end of depletion.
It's something that you weave into your life.
Gently,
Regularly,
And unapologetically.
Fill up your cup,
Often and without explanation.
Step away when you need to.
Take a moment to close your eyes.
Take a deep breath.
Let your shoulders drop.
You are deserving of rest.
Not because of what you accomplished today,
But simply because you are human.
You deserve to rest just simply by being.
