33 Comments
User's avatar
Dorothy Halton's avatar

Spent some time in Spain and it changed me as an American. My husband and I both take long walks. Ignore our emails on the weekends. Take naps when the body begs for it. So true resting should be prioritized. Loved this

Expand full comment
linisa's avatar

I ended last year and stepped into this year prioritizing rest —truly listening to my body and giving it what it needs. Love that you and your husband have embraced that lifestyle! Rest is so necessary.

Expand full comment
S1DNE's avatar

Absolutely love. Bc why do I feel guilty for taking a day off? 😭 it’s necessary

Expand full comment
linisa's avatar

Yep, like why do we feel guilty about resting when our body let's us know we need it.

Expand full comment
Nikole Danielle's avatar

Love this! So so true. Learning to view rest as productive.

Expand full comment
linisa's avatar

Yep, I've had to foster a new relationship with rest.

Expand full comment
Tiana de Haseth's avatar

Island girl here and I appreciate this! I also appreciate the Caribbean accent — I love my people.

Expand full comment
linisa's avatar

Thanks for listening Tiana. Initially I was terrified of doing audio for my posts but subscribers seem to like it so I’m doing my best to keep up.

Expand full comment
Black Glass's avatar

As a fellow Caribbean man… I approve, not that you need it …. Keep shinning…

I'm in my couch ….after being hospitalized for a lung issue due to burn out.. so rest….

Expand full comment
linisa's avatar

Thank you, my fellow island soul. I'm so sorry to hear about your health scare—burnout is no joke. I'm glad you're on the couch and resting. That in itself is a radical act of self-preservation. Wishing you deep rest, full healing, and lots of gentle days ahead. Keep listening to your body—it's always speaking.

Expand full comment
BlackExpat25's avatar

I desperately needed this reminder!

Expand full comment
linisa's avatar

Get your rest and never feel ashamed about it. Rest is not a weakness, it’s a power move. You deserve to pause, breathe, and be.

Expand full comment
Efua's avatar

This came right on time. Last year was one of the busiest years of my life, but it was also the year that I accomplished my biggest dreams. Since January, I’ve been utterly exhausted because I’ve been going nonstop for longer than I want to admit. And finally, my body, my mind & my spirit said no more and I was forced to rest. I’m learning now to reframe the way I view rest; not as something I have to earn, but like you mentioned a need . In order for me to be my best self and to do my best work I have to give myself the room to rest. Thank you for this essay ❤️

Expand full comment
linisa's avatar

Would you believe I’m still catching up on rest from last year? Once I started giving myself permission to pause, I noticed the difference right away—less fog, more flow. Rest really isn’t a reward, it’s a requirement. I’m so glad this resonated with you. Here’s to softer days ahead.

Expand full comment
Claire Davis's avatar

“And if anyone tries to guilt you into feeling bad about resting, just smile and tell them: ‘I’m recharging to do my best work.’ They don’t need to know that your best work might be simply existing joyfully in this chaotic world. I love this so much! It made me feel better about resting today. ❤️

Expand full comment
linisa's avatar

Rest when needed, Claire. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you in whispers and deep exhales. And yes—sometimes your best work is just existing joyfully in this wild world. I’m so glad this gave you the nudge to rest.

Expand full comment
Nyesha Maxwell, LMHC's avatar

This was so great to read because it’s the absolute truth. Rest is so necessary!!

Expand full comment
linisa's avatar

Rest really is the magic we forget we’re allowed to lean into. Here’s to more guilt-free pauses!

Expand full comment
Just Bria's avatar

So very true. This was a great read!

Expand full comment
linisa's avatar

Thanks for reading, Bria! I hope you’ve been honoring your body’s whispers and giving her the rest she asks for.

Expand full comment
Diana Cyril's avatar

This was so right on time. Thank you 😊

Expand full comment
linisa's avatar

You are most welcome Diana! Thank you for reading and I am glad you get it.

Expand full comment
Asia Williams's avatar

One word capitalism lol I agree with this. Im slowly learning myself not to have the need to be doing something all the time. Its power in stillness

Expand full comment
linisa's avatar

Yep, there is sooo much power in stillness.

Expand full comment
teisha leshea's avatar

"I'm recharging to do my best work." I love this.

Expand full comment
linisa's avatar

Yep, that's exactly what I been doing lol. Resting.

Expand full comment
SKL's avatar

Sharing this on my WhatsApp!

Expand full comment
linisa's avatar

Thank you! I appreciate you sharing it!

Expand full comment
Dana Nicole's avatar

so incredibly grateful to have found your Substack. this was the reminder I needed as I embark on this journey of normalizing rest and doing so guilt free. rest, because I deserve it. thank you 🫶🏽

Expand full comment
linisa's avatar

Thanks for reading Dana! Rest is necessary and everyone deserves it, period.

Expand full comment
Dion's avatar

I love this and your perspective 🤎

Expand full comment
linisa's avatar

Thank you so much! 🤎 I’m glad it resonated with you.

Expand full comment
Dion's avatar

You’re welcome!

Expand full comment