The Hurtful Side Of Rest

May 22, 2023

If you are like most people out there, you appreciate a good rest. You may look forward to the weekend when you can put your feet up or you welcome a good vacation every year so you can reset yourself.

I’m all about some intentional rest, especially when it has some purpose behind it that is life giving. An example in our household is we don’t do any business on Sundays. This day is focused on family time. Maybe you’re asking yourself how is that restful? Well here is the thing, rest is not all about putting your feet up, but pausing, smelling the roses, and paying attention to what’s most important. Rest is about your why, the things that energize you and as I said are life giving.

As much as rest can be good for you, could there be a hurtful side to rest?

I think the answer is hidden behind the intentionality. Sometimes we just have to be honest with ourselves and check ourselves. Are we being lazy? Are we actually tired? Are we putting things off?  Do we have reasons or excuses?

I am also aware that there are seasons for everything, but we need to be careful we don’t get obsessed with rest and hurt our future. Or lie to ourselves that we need it more then we actually do. It can keep us stuck because we are afraid to get out of our comfort zone and/or stretch ourselves to be better.

Here are 6 thoughts on things you should watch out for so rest doesn’t compromise your moving forward.

  1. Be careful rest doesn’t lead to isolation. Having alone time is ok and can be rejuvenating, but if it leads us away from community for long periods of time, we may have a problem.
  2. Watch it doesn’t lead to selfishness. Having boundaries and self-care is important and prioritizing some things for yourself is not necessarily a bad thing. With that being said, strive to be a giver, to add value and to serve others. There is a healthy aspect of sacrifice that is good to practice.
  3. Making emotional decision when it comes to rest can be very hurtful. You can’t always trust your emotions and they don’t always have the best intention for you. Sometimes we just need to do the work and allow action to lead us to feeling it. Aim to do what is wise and not what you feel like doing.
  4. Watch out that commitments are not broken. Be a person of your word. Make commitments, but also don’t feel the need to say yes to everything.
  5. Be core value driven and don’t let rest distract you from that. Know your values and make decisions through that filter. Not excuses, emotions, people, or lack of discipline.
  6. Don’t let rest prevent you from tapping into your potential. Have vision for your life, set goals and plan accordingly. Your potential will require your best, but it will also produce your best.

Rest can be a momentum killer if it’s not used or taken correctly. Know when to rest and when to stretch. Grow and create disciplines that help you and don’t keep you captive.

Grow as you go!

Walter Perez – Founder/CEO – The Leader Co. Inc.

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