The Power of Rest
As entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers, we are often told that consistency is the key to success. Keep showing up. Keep pushing through. Keep creating. But what happens when life forces us to slow down? When we physically or mentally cannot keep up with the demands we've placed on ourselves?
I am stepping into a season where I have to pause. My recent surgery means I won't be able to maintain my usual creative routine, and honestly, that's incredibly hard. When I first found out I had to have surgery, I asked my surgeon to be realistic with me when it came to the time frame needed to allow proper healing so I could come back 100% without risking damaging my dominate arm any further.
These days, you are sent back to work fairly quickly after surgery, sometimes at the detriment to your healing. Because I am in a position where I can take more time to heal properly, I agreed the best possible thing for me is to give it time. A minimum of 2-weeks without use is required. A minimum of 1-month allows the incisions to heal. A minimum of 3-months before I can regain full use in my arm again. A minimum of 1-year before I will be back to normal and can carry heavy things again.
At first, hearing these timelines really stressed me out. I am someone who doesn't sit idle. I cannot sit idle. But this is out of my control, which is another thing I don't handle well. What I've had to come to terms with is that rest is not the enemy of progress, it's part of the process.
I have been praying for time in solitude with God for the last six months, but my busy schedule wouldn't allow for it. I suddenly have found myself in a situation where I had to cancel everything on my schedule to allow myself time to heal...a minimum of 1-month to allow the incisions to heal before I try to use my hand again.
Rest isn't just something we should do when we have no other choice—it's something God commands us to do.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Jesus Himself took time away to rest and pray. He stepped back, even from ministry, to recharge and reconnect with His Father. If He saw the importance of rest, how much more do we need it?
Another thing I have learned is that rest sparks creativity.
Taking a break isn't just about healing physically, it's about refreshing our creativity. Have you ever noticed that your best ideas come when you're not forcing them? Sometimes, the most inspired writing, business ideas, and creative breakthroughs come when we stay away from hustling to allow ourselves the freedom to breathe.
When we give ourselves permission to rest:
- We reduce burnout
- We gain new perspectives
- We allow God to speak into our work and purpose
Maybe you are also in a season where you need to slow down. Perhaps you feel worn out but guilty for stepping away. Let this be your permission slip: Rest is part of growth.
If you're feeling overworked or uninspired, I encourage you to take a step back. Not forever, just long enough to recharge, refocus, and allow God to work in the stillness.
May you rest in His arms, Shonda Ramsey