you deserve a break 🥰🎁

It happened again.  The conversations that were about looking forward to an end-of-year rest are now about all the things that will be accomplished during the "break."

Instead of hearing comments about the chance to recharge, reflect, connect, and reset for the new year, the new discussion consists of the lists of things that didn't get done yet for 2022 and will instead occupy the "time off."

Instead of celebrating all that was survived, accomplished, and experienced through 2022, the focus is on what remains undone.

In the push to the finish, with prevalent illness, end-of-year projects, and holiday preparations, people I talk to are already feeling behind on their preferred start to 2023.

I'm guilty of this as well.  It's so tempting to look at open time on the calendar and see how much I could "accomplish" by putting my to-dos into the space.

It's harder to remember, and believe, that the rest is productive - and essential.  

You have worked hard all year.  You have given of yourself to your family, to your community, to your work, and to your efforts to support social justice.  

Chances are, you have paid a high cost in emotional labor without nearly the appreciation or recognition you deserve.

And, you deserve a break.

A real one.  

Not a "I'll get 5 things done a day instead of 10" kind of break but an...

• "I'll sleep until my body is truly rested"

• "I'll laugh with friends until my stomach hurts"

• "I'll enjoy the blizzard because I'm not trying to go anywhere or do anything!" 

...kind of break.

My wish for you as you approach this time of holiday gatherings and time "off" is that you get to truly experience and soak in the "paradox of relaxation" that brings renewal, rekindling, and revitalizing of the mind, body, and spirit.  ~Lailah Gifty Akita 

You matter.  You make a difference.  I'm so thankful you're here.