Rest

"Rest isn't a reward for the work, it is part of the work." 

If you're anything like me (gosh I hope you have better practices) you cram as much work and projects into a day as you can. From sunrise, to the point I take a seat on the couch to talk with my husband about my day, I am at work. Now hear me out, this work is a conglomeration of business, home, and life activities. Too many to mention and I am pretty sure you get the point that it's a full day. 

This year has brought many new practices to my business and life. One is truly resting on the weekends (if possible). I say if possible because mural work is constantly influenced by the weather and sometimes you have to work when mother nature allows. But if I'm at a point to "rest" from work, I do. Rest looks different to different people,  and it should. For some it is quite literally sleeping or sitting. 

Verb
1. cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength. 

Noun
1.an instance or period of relaxing or ceasing to engage in strenuous or stressful activity. 

(nouns are words that name persons, places, or things, and often serve as the subject or object of a verb. Verbs are words used to indicate actions, states, or relations between things.) 

The idea that rest should not be seen as reward, but part of being human. In faith we are called to rest. After an injury we are told to rest. Following a celebration we often rest (especially if you are planning it). There are multiple instances where we need to rest, are told, or allow ourselves to rest. 

This reaponse was taken from an AI response to researching this topic further. "Resting can also be a critical part of the process of productivity, allowing people to give more than they would if they pushed on through." 

Lately, you hear a lot of topics referring to (occupational) burnout. Which is really surprising that we could go through roughly two years of working isolation, accomplish goals, still operate as a business/nation, build and nurture intentional relationships, and come out the other side thinking we need to do more. 

Without going too much further on that topic I think that self awareness plays a huge role in avoiding burnout, true rest, and personal growth. 

I've made a point to share images and timely points of rest to my social media and with my email subscribers (<-- you get a little more behind the scenes, sneak peeks at new works, and what pours into my process). As much as it is important to share my work, my process, and the small business elements...I feel it is even more important to put those little nuggest of rest and what fills my cup back up. That could be anything from kayaking, fishing, travel, bugs and nature, to weedeating and completing a household project. Most time I am in my sketchbook or simply observing life. 

Something I read, and I cannot place it properly to give credit, so my apologies! If you know please email me the proper quote. :)  thank you in advance. 

"If you overdo today, you are stealing from your tomorrow". 

Read that again. 

How true is that!? If you exhaust yourself ultimately you are stealing being your best self for the next day. 

Now I am not passing judgment on your personal productivity radar, and this is not a get out of work phrase either. But you need to know your limits and schedule rest in your day. 

Okay I'll leave you with this.
I over did it last week, so much that my blood sugar bottomed out and I was slightly dehydrated.(That is on no one but me on not paying attention to my bodily needs.) I had every intention to rest for the weekend. Looking at the forecast I had to bite the bullet, find the energy and work 8+ hours on a Saturday. BUT, Sunday I gave myself time to rest. The most strenuous thing I did was go grocery shopping and cook. Yep, and that was a huge accomplishment for my day. I spent time watching the Olympics, taking naps, and folding laundry. (If you know me at all, naps are a rarity so that is kind of a big deal to name them in this list. Haha) 

With all of that, rest is important and folds right back into your work and life routine. So respect it, schedule it, and relish in its fruits. 
I am truly grateful for the friends and family that pour into those times of resting! You know who you are, mucho love!