Lately, I’ve felt truly and thoroughly burnt out. From work. From life. From all of it. I gave and gave until I was left with nothing in my cup. It made me feel as though I was stuck and sputtering and sinking. That I should be crushing goals, learning, pursuing, achieving, connecting, healing, fitness-ing, winning. That I should not be lying on my couch consuming all of Love Island USA in a week… don’t come for me.
That’s where I have to stop myself though because I’ve learned that “should” statements are deeply dangerous. They not only lead to utter dissatisfaction but it is also dismissive of yourself. Saying you “should” do more, be better, or get “there” faster, is disrespectful to the pieces and past versions of yourself that have made this exact moment possible.
At the end of the day, you are exactly where you need to be. You are facing the challenges and lessons that the universe intends for you. Trust that.
Our world wants us to believe that there is always something more to be chasing, but I want to challenge that. What we need to do more of is show gratitude to our past selves for the work, protection, care, and consideration they exhibited to bring us to the current moment. I challenge you to truly reflect on where you are. What dreams have been realized? Any dreams you haven’t paused to notice or give yourself credit for? Or dreams you thought weren’t possible, but yet here they are? You’ve arrived. Feel it. Accept it. Deeply and radically.
I’m not saying that you have to put down the cross of growing, learning, and becoming, because as Kim K read on the internet that one time, we “didn’t come this far to only come this far.” However, we are allowed to pause, reflect, and rest.
When I speak of rest, I’m unfortunately not speaking of passively consuming hot people kissing on the beach (still love it though). I’m talking about what are the things that sing to your soul. Is it re-reading your favorite book? Writing? Singing? Dancing? Playing mermaids in the pool? Spending time with that friend or family member that sees you? Is there a mentor you haven’t spoken to in a while? Whatever it is, do it. Do it now and bask in the joy you will radiate.
I’ve had to humble myself to get here. To allow deep soulful rest. To remember that healing is not my purpose. My purpose is to enjoy and say YES to the things and people that make me feel alive.
My biggest hope and dream now is not only to continue to follow that feeling for myself. But also to encourage others to do the same. For us all to see there is space for everyone to sparkle and shine.
Those are my thoughts for now. Be great y’all.
K