It’s been a tough season for me. In the past, I’ve been reluctant to admit this publicly unless I had lost a loved one or experienced a family emergency, but I’m beginning to realize that daily life — especially in the midst of a pandemic — is its own kind of toughness. I’m generally an optimistic and highly motivated person, but this fall has brought me a busier-than-ever work schedule, a bumpy transition into hybrid work, new challenges in just about every area of my life, and the lingering grief, exhaustion, and fear that comes from living life in a pandemic. While I have no doubt I’ll be grateful for everything I’ve learned during this season, trying to be present in the moment, adapting to new circumstances, and establishing new boundaries has taken its toll on me. Maybe you’ve felt this way, too.
My discomfort with this situation reached a fever pitch a few weeks ago. I was stressed and in dire need of rest, rejuvenation, and connection — with no idea of where to get it. Around this same time, a couple friend of ours invited us to get away with them for a weekend to an Airbnb just north of where we live. Our friends were attending a farm wedding and the best property they could find had four bedrooms. Since this seemed a bit excessive for one couple and one dog, they invited us to come along. Although I was excited to get out of town, we were driving up on Friday evening and coming back on Sunday morning. How much rejuvenation can you get in 36 hours?
It turns out, enough. We had the opportunity to share delicious meals, play games, catch up, and roast marshmallows by the fire. I got to explore a new area by kayak and spend quiet moments staring up at the fall leaves from a hammock. I needed to get away from the constant drumbeat of my to-do list to reconnect with myself and people I love.
What am I grateful for this Thanksgiving? Rest, play, and relationships — and the continual realization that I am worthy of and in desperate need of all three to function as my best self. I recognize taking a trip like this is a privilege, and know not everyone can afford financially or logistically to get away. Still, what was so amazing about this trip was that it wasn’t anything particularly luxurious. It involved no time off work, air travel, room service, or fancy hotels. The best part was the nature, food, and company.
Maybe you (like me) need the reminder that you need rest, and the opportunity to find the rest you need is closer than you think? Maybe you (like me) need a reminder that rest and play ought to be a part of our regular routine, not something saved for special occasions? Maybe you (like me) need to find ways to prioritize rest and self-care — the things that truly help us to return to ourselves — in our schedule and our budgets?
During this last long weekend before a very busy season, I encourage you to take the time and spend the money to find the rest and rejuvenation you need. Consider this your reminder to invest in rest. And as we look forward to the season of giving, I encourage you to think about how you might use this year’s gifts to help others find rest:
Instead of exchanging gifts, invite family to invest in a trip together next year.
Instead of bringing your friend sugary treats, offer to babysit their kids so they can have a full day to rest.
Instead of buying your partner something that can bring them joy only briefly, invest in something that will bring them joy over the long-term.
Instead of saying “you don’t need anything” for the holidays, summon the courage to ask for the things that might help you to find rest, play, and rejuvenation.
These kinds of gifts can’t be rushed. They take intention and conversation. They take time as well as money. But in a season filled with burnout, languishing, and grief, these are the things we all desperately need.