Rest ≠ stop
jasonleow • 16 Dec 2021 •
It’s December now. A time where traditionally I would rest, reflect and review.
I have no problems doing reflection and reviews, but rest is hard for me. Had always been. I’m a do-er. I love moving. And most of all, I love working.
There I said it.
To my wife, this is probably her least favourite of my qualities. I do enjoy working too much. Much at the expense of my own wellbeing. I recognise it. But I feel painfully restless when I stop - it actually feels worst than being too busy! For me at least.
But something @evielync said on Twitter made me feel better:
Learn to rest, not stop.
YES! Rest ≠ stop!
I can have active rest.
I don’t have to stop stop.
I can be busy, yet still recover.
I can keep going, but in other things.
Yes yes yes.
All the other things i always wanted to do but got de-prioritized. The time is now:
Read
Tinker
Nap more
Family outings
Listen to music
Great meals out
Adventures in nature
Run errands I was too busy for
I don’t know why this is such a revelation for me, when it’s likely to be pretty “meh” for most. But it’s a great reminder, that I can keep moving, stay moving, even in rest.
Rest but not stop.
Comments
Love this @jasonleow. I think so many people struggle to stop, but then burnout hits them and they are forced to. I like the idea of active recovery and it’s much easier to get back into things rather than stopping altogether.
@evielync yes! Active rest is also much easier to get into as well, especially after a busy season and for those who struggle with resting.
@evielync thanks for the original inspiration!