After a very busy day last week – I decided that I was simply going to take a day of rest.

I have learnt – how important it is – to listen to my body – and that there are times when – it’s as though my body lets me know – it’s time for a rest.

I love these words that I read – “You don’t have to be strong every day. Some days – strength looks like finally letting yourself rest. Like admitting you’re tired – like putting down what’s been breaking your back in silence. Rest isn’t giving up – it’s choosing to live long enough to rise again”.

I have to admit that I have a tendency to want to both feel – and to be seen – as strong. I don’t like to have to – ‘give in’ – but I realise – that there’s a difference between – giving in – and knowing when I’ve simply had enough.

It’s actually boils down to me – making the choice. And – I am in the privileged position – where it’s possible for me to do that.

Something that is important for me to take hold of – is expressed in this way –

“Rest is not a reward for finishing everything – you are allowed to rest – while there is still more to do”

This is something that I have had to come to terms with – as I get older. I have to understand that I cannot achieve things at the same rate that I once could – and that is okay – I just have to pace myself – and allow things to take longer.

As I thought more about the importance of listening to my body – I read this –

“A wise man once told me – If you don’t schedule a break – your body will take one for you – and it probably won’t be at a convenient time”.

It’s quite amazing to me – that this is what my body will do. It will let me know – when it needs to rest – and to ignore that ‘prompt’ as it were – simply isn’t wise.

And of course – rest is essential – not only for my body – but for my soul and spirit too.

As someone once wrote – “Rest is not lazy – it is sacred soul care”

It’s always been important to me – to take ‘time out’ – to be alone – immerse myself in nature whenever possible – allowing the silence and beauty of creation – to feed my soul.

Rest has become an integeral part of my life – even in the midst of busy days – and perhaps – in more recent years – that combination of rest for both the body and soul – has evolved into more equal parts.

There are those – ‘days of rest’ – but also – those moments – when I seek to – “Take a quiet moment – rest in the silence of self care – and breathe in the gifts of each precious day”.

Blessings – Lois