In today’s society, we are so eager to be productive. I know it seems hypocritical that I’ve just written a post on how to stay productive and am now criticizing productivity in the world. I believe we should be productive. However, there’s something to be said for taking a break, for settling in and looking around us instead of always rushing to the next thing.
I’m guilty of this. Of cramming my to do list full of things I need to do, things I should do, things I want to do all in the name of trying to be the most efficient effective girlboss on the planet. I get angry at myself if I haven’t checked off everything even if I was feeling sick or more important things came up. I don’t allow myself forgiveness for the days I get “nothing” done, not allowing myself to settle and take a moment to be still.
The world is so fast. One minute you’re in high school, the next you’re in your second semester of college. Time moves in a way no one can comprehend. It’s so easy to miss the important things if you’re always looking for the next thing. When I am staring at my to do list, I am missing an opportunity to have dinner with a friend and to get to know them deeper. When I am staring at my to do list, I am missing out on all the activities UVA plans for its students. When I am staring at my to do list, I neglect my wellbeing – I need laughter and friends to feel good as much as I need to be productive.
Related Post: What’s the rush?
I just want you to recognize where you are. As a native New Yorker, I am always in the mindset of faster, of “GO GO GO”. I am so bad at letting myself sit with myself – at reflecting on where and who I am (this is why I daily journal). I want to you to think to yourself what is important. Often times, what is on our to do list is urgent but not important. What’s urgent matters but so does what’s important. Don’t neglect the important things in your life because you’re too busy being productive to rest and reflect.
Related Post: What I’ve Learned from the First Semester of College
When you rest, you are more productive. That’s another tip I should have added in my last post. When you sleep, you are more energized. Instead of filling that time of the day with work, fill it with exercise. Fill it with a book you’ve been wanting to read. Fill with lunch with a friend. Fill it with quiet time spent with your Bible in the presence of the Lord. Life is all about balance – we weren’t made to work endlessly. Rather we were made to work and stand back and rest – so we could see what is good.
The world doesn’t end when you stop checking things off of your to do list. Rest knowing that you are worthy even when you aren’t chasing that dream, even when the world is moving so fast that your stomach is sick and your anxiety is high. You aren’t what you do. You aren’t defined by your accomplishments. Rest in that truth – that you are worthy when you feel most worn down.
Assess your current state of life, your current state of mind. Remind yourself what your goals are and how far you’ve come. Reflect on the questions you have for yourself.
Related Post: Mastering Life in the Mundane
Reinvigorate the passions that have always lit you up inside.
Let your mind breathe. Let the dust settle – make space in your life to rest. Let yourself be. Sit with yourself and rest.
Signing off, Gigi
P.S. Maybe you need a face mask. Maybe you need a social media fast. Maybe you need a long drive with your thoughts. Whatever rest you need, go take care of yourself. And then, you can save the world.
How do you rest? I like a good book and a cup of tea.
