Taking time for rest is essential to the creative process
During my adolescent years, Martha Stewart was in her prime. She showed us how to make everything from pottery and herbal water to raising goats. She taught us how to host elaborate dinner parties, organize and pack for vacations, all while looking fabulous and being the envy of our friends as we raised three kids in a spotless home with a glorious garden!
I wanted to do “all the things” but missed the part about taking time to rest and be still. It has taken me decades to reach a point in my life where this is becoming more important and essential to my sanity.
I am self-aware enough now to know that productivity gives me a sense of worth. When that realization hit me, it was hard to accept. After all, I am a child of God and I have worth and value in that alone. I love my work and the blessings it has brought to my life, but I also see that it was consuming me.
“After times of intentional rest, I am more creative and at peace with myself and my work.”
The need to create is a big part of who I am and I don’t want to lose that spark, that joy, that overwhelming sense of excitement because I did not make time to slow down.
Over the last couple of months, I worked less and rested more. How does it feel, you ask? At first, it was weird because I was going from high-speed rail to horse-drawn carriage. While the view from the train is quite lovely, things whiz by so fast you miss a lot. The fresh air and sunshine are splendid from atop the carriage.
Recently, a friend told me that I am looking softer around the edges, less like I am going to jump out of my skin. I am certainly feeling better and in no small part to my discovery of Lush bath bombs.
What’s my plan for the new year?
•This year, I will make time for rest.
•This year, I will make time for self-care.
•This year, I will be present in each moment.
Beyond that, I will take things one day at a time, perhaps relaxing on occasion with a glass of lavender and mint infused water!
Have a blessed day!
