Make Rest a Part of Your Rhythm: Why Slowing Down Matters
Intentional rest isn’t a failure—it’s the foundation of sustainable consistency.
A Wild Weekend (and a Big Lesson About Rest!)
A few weekends ago, we hosted the most ridiculously over-the-top birthday party for our kids. 😆 Picture this: a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book meets a treasure hunt, complete with puzzles, riddles, and 15 excited kids tearing around the house like elephants. It was creative, hilarious—and a lot of work. 😳
To top it all off… 30 minutes before the party started, I realized that I was missing two pages of clues. 🤯
But even with all the chaos, I was proud of myself. I’ve wanted to create something like this for years, but chronic illness always got in the way. This time, I actually had the capacity to bring it to life. 🤩
After the party, I decided to take the next few days to truly rest. I knew I had to be purposeful about it, because I struggle with guilt when I slow down. If I wasn’t intentional, I’d slip right back into hustle mode—even though I knew my body and brain needed a breather.
We used Altoids tins to make tiny “Explorer Kits” for each guest!
Here are a few things I’ve been learning about making rest a part of my rhythm, and why slowing down matters:
Resting Doesn’t Mean You’ve Lost Momentum ⏸️
One of the hardest things about being a stay-at-home mom, wife, or entrepreneur is the constant pressure to check things off your to-do list. But the truth is… our lists never end. 🥴
So, learning how to intentionally rest — and giving yourself permission to pause the list — is crucial.
Last week, as I gave myself space to recover, something clicked: Taking a breather doesn’t mean I’m inconsistent. It’s just a pause — not a stop.
We don’t lose momentum by resting. We sustain it.
Tiny Things Still Count (Especially When You’re Tired) ✨
Even while I was “resting,” I still gently moved through small things:
A few dishes here.
A load of laundry there.
Quiet moments to craft or journal.
Because I was listening to my body—and letting go of hustle energy—it didn’t feel overwhelming. It felt sustainable.
Now, this might feel obvious to some people… but it hasn’t always been for me. And maybe, if you’re like me, you need that obvious reminder too:
🌱 Tiny things count. Especially when you’re tired. 🌱
The Rhythm of Recovery (and What It’s Teaching Me)
My only real goal during this slower week was to rest—and gently “touch” the different parts of life I usually neglect when I’m in all-or-nothing mode.
Because here’s something I’ve realized (again and again):
When I push hard in one direction, I lose capacity for everything else.
But when I slow down and spread my attention gently, I can sustain meaningful progress—without burning out.
A big reason I can do this now is thanks to a huge breakthrough in my health journey. Since discovering my chronic illness and starting a medication that actually works, my capacity has expanded in ways I never imagined. 😍
If you’re not there yet—if your capacity still feels painfully limited—please know: 🌼 You are not failing. You’re carrying a heavy load with so much grace.
Give yourself the gift of gentleness. 🌿 Your worth isn’t measured in output.
A Little Creative Joy: What a Slower Pace Can Leave Room For 🥳
Here's what my slower rhythm made space for this week:
I organized our bathroom cabinets (finally!).
I sorted through some long-lasting storage boxes.
I started a fun creative project just for me (more on this soon!).
I folded laundry and kept the house mostly together.
I speed-read a few books.
I made a new digital scrapbook inside my Notion planner. 🤩
These little things reminded me that when I stop obsessing over one area, I can gently tend to many. Not perfectly. But meaningfully.
As I start looking ahead to summer, the rhythm of intentional rest feels more important than ever. Shifting into a new season is when I love to pause, reflect on what matters most, and gently shape the months ahead with intention.
If you’re craving a peaceful, purposeful summer too, I made something just for us:
✨ The Simple Summer Workbook is a cozy, no-pressure guide to help you reflect, plan, and savor the season — without the hustle, guilt, or perfection.
To Wrap It All Up: Rest Is the Rhythm 🌿
Let me leave you with this:
You’re not behind. You’re not inconsistent. You’re honoring your capacity — and that is consistency.
You don’t need to “earn” your rest. You can (and should!) build it into your rhythm.
Because honestly?
Rest isn’t a reward for finishing your to-do list—it’s a necessary rhythm that sustains an intentional life. 🌿
💭 Reflect & Share:
What would it look like to include rest in your rhythm this week?
Have you been trying to maintain a pace that no longer fits your life?
What might shift if you believed rest could help you stay consistent?
🌿 Here’s a good reminder…
Rest isn’t a reward for finishing your to-do list—it’s a necessary rhythm that sustains an intentional life.”