Rest

Who knew when I chose this word for my word of intention for 2023, how the first quarter would go?

In January I recorded, edited, and listed my first self-guided watercolor course, Watercolor Essentials. The moment I finished that course and sent of login information to all those who bought the pre-sale, my body kind of went into a hibernation of sorts.

After 6 weeks of not being able to pull myself up, I was so grateful when that malaise finally lifted in March. I finally feel like myself again. Kind of.

It’s strange to feel groggy… and some heart issues I need to find a cardiologist about. And hopefully not catching the C from my husband this week.

I naturally am a high-achiever and people pleaser, and letting go of some of my busy-ness means life feels like it comes to a screeching halt. But no, it’s just quieter.

So this week I’ve been listening to audiobooks, sudoku on my phone, and attending to only the most needed tasks. Rest is what my body needs, and I’m finally learning how to listen to it.

There’s an incredible garden in my parents’ neighborhood I admire every warm visit. This was the first time I happened to pay attention to it in the winter. I’m not a gardener, but most of the plants were cut back in places, looking so bare and pathetic.

But I KNOW this garden. It’s magnificent.

And yet, here in the 30 degree temperature, I’m looking at blunt gray and brown stems. Empty earth, and such drab flatness.

But it’s there. These beautiful plants are resting, cut short and hiding under the soil. They can’t continually bloom. But they will bloom again. Right now, they are resting.

I want to give you permission if you are in this hibernation stage at the moment: it’s really okay to do nothing and demand nothing of yourself. This stage doesn’t last forever.

Get quiet. Really quiet.
So you can finally hear you.

And give it TIME. Your spring will come.

Just like that garden, YOU are magnificent.

Also, for those that celebrate Easter Sunday, there is a neat connection to the One who will give us REST. And ALL can appreciate a renewal, conquering darkness, and following light.

Happy Easter weekend, my friends.