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As I'm writing this, it's 4:15 in the afternoon. I'm in my pajamas. I didn't spend the day in them. In fact, I got up early for the normal morning routine of dogs, kid, and household, and had myself all dressed and at a coffee meeting at 8:30. Full morning and afternoon of creating content and managing mom-stuff. 3pm, the wall.
I know the wall well. My body sinks, my head gets dull, and, the most significant feature, I get cranky. Really really cranky.
An old me would push through, knowing the importance of this, that, and the other thing. The school form, the podcast recording, the return phone call, the tidied house would come before the rest. I had to earn the rest. And often, it wouldn't be until bedtime, when I would hit the bed, often angry and shut down, like a short-circuiting computer.
But this is a new me. It's 2023, and I have a commitment to rest.
Today, I felt the wall when I walked in the door from my second meeting. And what did I do? I gave the eager dogs each a pat on the head and walked toward bed, stripping my work clothes as I went. I turned off my phone and crawled under the comforter. And slept.
I wasn't done there. When I woke up, I still didn't feel nourished enough. I drew a bath and soaked in warm water and epsom salts until I felt my energy rise. Then I put my pajamas on.
And now I'm back to work.
I'm fortunate to be able to do this. My younger son is a senior in high school and is away long hours. I work for myself and can set my own schedule. I have a home that's all mine, in which I can do whatever I want on a workday afternoon. Life with young children does not often afford this.
And yet — I invite you to be creative. And radical. Because rest is essential. Our bodies aren't meant to go as we make them go. Our minds aren't either. So listen in. Do you have your version of the wall? That's your beautiful system talking to you. She needs you to listen and prioritize her. Trust me. It makes all the difference — for everyone.
