Rest Has Become My Thing
Dear Friends,
I turned 46 this month!
I’m grateful to still be getting older. Because let’s be honest, tomorrow isn’t guaranteed to anyone.
It’s been quite a ride. The year brought many good surprises to my door. This morning a memory came to me: my son, a few months old, in my arms. He turned 21 this year, and he’s tinkering with cars just like he did when he was little. I’m so happy for him and also scared of his driving. Lol. We flew to Seattle to celebrate with him.
Yan and I marked our first wedding anniversary and renewed our vows in Cannon Beach, Oregon, the same beach where we first said them. Hooray! I met new clients while we were in the US. I spent six glorious days in San Vicente, Palawan, holding space for the amazing women who joined the retreat and deepening my spiritual practice. I spent nine magical days exploring beautiful Chiang Mai where I met my shamanic teacher and classmates from Prague and Australia. And I started studying astrology more seriously, which is mind-blowing and exciting.
Rest is the goal, not a stopover.
We were in the US from July to August. When we got back in September, I mostly rested. There were many things I wanted to do, but I chose to rest instead. Out of everything this year, resting is the thing I feel I truly achieved.
It’s weird to call it an achievement, and I’m laughing as I write this. We measure our lives by what we can check off a list. But the things that give me the most joy and contentment are the things that I can’t count.
This year, I got to know myself more deeply. Most of my life, I’ve looked for safe spaces around me and in people, but I realized, my mind has to be a safe place first. For years a voice in my head said: You’re lazy for resting. You must get back to work so you can prove you’re enough and worthy. I don’t hear it anymore. My mind is a safer place now.
Rest has become part of my lifestyle. I don’t rest to reset and rush back to work. Rest is the goal, not a stopover. Rest is the mission. At 46, guilt-less rest is my most prized trophy. And it’s not really an achievement, because rest is the opposite of achievement. Rest is akin to love.
Rest is akin to love
I’ve reached the point where I no longer ask if I deserve to rest. Whether I’m loved even if I don’t accomplish anything. Even if I am “useless.” Whether I’m enough even if I am no one.
I value hard work. I treasure the gifts God gave me, and serving others is in my DNA. But I can do that work without compromising my health, my sanity, my joy, my true wealth, which is my family. I can do the work while also feeling life, living every moment of life, and dancing with life. I no longer measure my worth based on my output. And that is incredibly freeing.
Just like happiness, rest isn’t a destination but a state of mind, and I’m continually walking with it. Revisiting my relationship with rest as I go.
That brings me to this reflection for you:
How is your relationship with rest?
If you had one day for rest, what would you do with it?
For me, a birthday is about giving, so here’s mine.
If it’s your first 1-on-1 session with me, take 25% off my current rates when you sign up for our newsletter. Discount expires at the end of the year, but you can book a session through the end of February, as long as a slot is open. But don’t take too long. Follow the nudge.
You also get first dibs on my New Year retreat on January 17, 2027. I want us to start the year right. Send us a message to save your spot.
One small request, if you feel like celebrating with me and all the October celebrants, donate a small amount to your favorite charity or cause. A little goes a long way. Then let’s pray for each other, for empathy and love for the Philippines.
I am so thankful you’ve walked this journey with me.
Sending my love,
P.S. If you wish to send your reflections to me about Rest, feel free to email me at [email protected] I will personally read each one. Cheers!
