Something new I’ve exercised this year is real boundaries and true rest.
In my 20’s, way too many times I would find myself saying yes to things I knew I had no time, desire, energy, or resources for. But out of people pleasing tendencies, fear of being misunderstood, or placing guilt on myself thinking the unhealthy, and frankly prideful thought of “they need me”, there I went with the yes’s that my mind, body, and soul were asking me to reject.
And with all of those yes’s that should have simply been no thank you’s, later became exhaustion, stress, anxiety, brain fog, irritability, unnecessary spending, spouse friction (not the good kind), and sometimes resentment.
Our yes is powerful and can cause so much good. But to the wrong things at the wrong time can actually cause temporary damage.
"When you don’t have time to rest, that’s when it’s time to rest.”
And not like take a nap or sleep an extra hour rest. Like mind body and soul rest. Unplugging from people and having solitude with The Lord in worship or His word to just hear from Him and allow Him to beam on our dimming light. Stepping in nature and taking in beautiful views and fresh air. Spending unapologetic quality time with our favorite person or people that our nervous system rests and rejuvenates with. In my case it’s my husband. Cooking a slow meal with no rush. No agendas. No itineraries. No time frames. No go go go and do do do. Simply the pause, breath and be present mode.
These days, when the Lord says rest, or when I simply know I need it (because I’ve studied myself and have learned the signs ) I don’t hand out explanations, I don’t feel guilty, and I don’t question it. I do it. And while doing so, I can I now comfortably say “I’m sorry, not this time” to any requests that require breaking that rest mode. Whether the person that’s asking from me understands and respects my boundary or not, respectfully, I’ll leave that at the Lords feet.
I don’t know about you, but I know my presence is 10x more enjoyable and encouraging, my work is immensely more creative and productive, my marriage thrives, and my overall health is vibrant, WHEN I‘M RESTED.
Today Friend, I pray you are rested. And if you’re not, may you find it, so you can show up as your full and bomb self and move mountains.
Oh! And a huge p.s,
if you’re seasoned on this boundaries and rest journey, hallelujah. 😉
But if you’ve recently embarked, such as myself, always remember, the same grace you appreciate from others when you “can’t”, is the same grace to extend when they ”can’t”.
Happy Resting! 😘
