No rest for the wicked.
No rest for the weary.
I’ll rest when I’m dead.
Imagine a fatigue so completely overwhelming that even washing one dish at the sink is unimaginable. I’ve been living with chronic illness now for over 13 years. Before being diagnosed, I was always on the go, never stopping to rest. I’d work 2 or 3 jobs at a time, exercise in the early morning and even had a semblance of a social life. Being forced to rest made me angry. I felt as if people were perceiving me as lazy. In my mind, if I wasn’t productive, I wasn’t successful. It took many years to release my frustrations and forgive. I no longer punish myself for taking rest. It does means I will decline social invitations as needed and even leave events early. When my body and mind say rest, I must comply. If there is one thing that chronic illness has taught me, it is to listen to your body. It will tell you what it needs if you really listen.
“What is without periods of rest will not endure.”—Ovid
So, ask yourself, do you really need to get everything done on your list today? Can you take time to rest and truly let yourself recover? Taking the time to rest, not only has physical benefits, it helps you mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
In this frenetic world of technology and IT, your to-do list will always be long and never-ending. Put down the phone, unplug the television, close the computer, snuggle up and rest. Gather fresh strength to tackle what lies ahead. Your body will thank you for it.
“Rest and be thankful.” -- Wadsworth