Hi guys! Last week was one of those weeks that was really full on - the kind where you’re talking about rest and boundaries in workshops, but feeling like you’re running on so little behind the scenes.
I’m really sorry you didn’t get a newsletter from me on Friday. I had every intention to send it, but between two workshops on burnout (yes, the irony!) and a very full calendar, I found myself teetering on the edge of the very thing I was teaching others to avoid.
My schedule was a bit wild. Both workshops were focused on boundaries, building rhythms of rest, and resisting this relentless hustle culture we’re surrounded by… especially in the West. And yet, by the time Friday rolled around, I was staring down a never-ending to-do list. I felt the weight of everything I needed to finish, while also trying to reflect on my Wednesday session and prep for Saturday’s.
Friday night comes. I’d originally made plans with a friend, but she cancelled, and honestly, I found myself thanking God. I didn’t want to cancel on her, but I really needed that rest.
Around 7pm, I realised: I hadn’t even written the newsletter yet.
I sat with it for a moment and thought, What’s more important right now? After I’d packed and prepared for Saturday’s workshop, I chose rest - so I could be present and well for the morning after. I try not to work too much on the weekends. Sometimes, if a really meaningful opportunity comes up (like Saturday’s session), I’ll say yes, but I do my best not to be on my laptop like I do during the week.
And especially now that I’ve started a new remote job - flexible hours, part-time, and a good fit while I’m building my business - it means I’m on a screen a lot. That just makes it even more important for me to step away on the weekends.
Long story short: I forgot to send the newsletter. I wasn’t in the rhythm of doing it on a Saturday, and my brain was packed with everything else going on.
I ran the workshop in Central London, came home, hit the reset button (shower, change of clothes, the works), and then headed to a friend’s to help make drinks for her birthday party. Saturday was non-stop.
And when I realised at some point that evening that I’d completely forgotten the newsletter… I could feel guilt start to creep in.
“How dare you not be consistent?”
“That’s it… you’ve failed.”
But I stopped. Took a breath. And thought: What thoughts am I actually listening to right now?
As a woman of faith, I know there’s a God who is for me - and I also believe there’s an enemy who’s not. The Bible says “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT) The enemy tries to fill our minds with lies of failure and fear.
But here’s the truth:
You are created in the image of God. You are deeply loved. And the enemy’s greatest fear is that you will walk in the purpose God has placed inside you. So of course he wants to distract you. Discourage you. Drown you in doubt.
And honestly, choosing not to believe those destructive thoughts? It takes a real fight sometimes. But I’ve decided:
- I won’t live in agreement with lies. I will stand on truth. (“Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.” Ephesians 6:14 NLT)
- Even when it’s hard. Even when it feels like a battle. (“We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NLT)
- Because the truth is the Word of God. And it never fails. (“It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” Isaiah 55:11 NLT)
Looking back, I’m actually grateful this all happened. Because now I get to share it with you. And I know I’m not the only one who wrestles with thoughts of defeat or failure.
When those thoughts come, take a moment. Pause. Reflect. Ask yourself:
- Have I done all that I could this week? Is there a reason I didn’t meet my own expectations?
For me, the answer was clear: it was just a big, full-on week.
So I’ve made a decision - I’m going to work really hard to bring back my Sabbath Saturdays. No plans. No work. No screen time. A day strictly for rest, renewal, and reflection. (It’s going to take me a few weeks to get this in place but… it’s coming!)
And honestly? The pace of my life right now makes that absolutely necessary. I bet, with the pace of your life, you need it too.
Because when I rest:
- I think more clearly
- My emotions get a chance to regulate
- Life slows down - I’m not just running from task to task
- I get space to reflect on the good, the hard, and everything in between
- I show up better - as a friend, girlfriend, daughter, and businesswoman
I want to encourage you: don’t deprive yourself of rest.
You might be in a building season - getting something off the ground, launching, growing, planting seeds. That’s okay. Life moves in seasons. Sometimes we need a little rocket fuel.
But even then, rest should not be the thing you sacrifice.
Maybe it’s your social life that takes a step back. Maybe it’s the trip you delay. Maybe it’s scaling back certain commitments.
But don’t take rest off your priority list. Keep it near the top.
Questions to reflect on:
1 - What’s one area of your life that’s crying out for rest, but you’ve been ignoring it?
2 - Can you trace where the pressure to “keep going” is really coming from… is it truth, or just fear of falling behind?
3 - What would it look like this week to protect even just one hour of true, nourishing rest?
You’re not behind.
You’re being built. 💛
