Sometimes you have to take your own hand and pull yourself up.
The greatest internal shift towards rest happens… internally.
We know it. We want it. It’s not just an idea anymore—so we turn our heads towards it. The more we experiment, the more familiar we become with living in this new place. And the more our hearts take note.
We develop a knack for recognizing when we need to let go and when we need to take action.
And helping ourselves out of a rut no longer feels like a quick trick—like following directions from the latest self-help advice.
Neither does it feel like a herculean act of self-discipline.
Coming from this place of autonomy and personal responsibility gives fresh, sparkling meaning to helpful tools that are anything but new.
Over a week ago, Daniel (who is visiting us) got sick (you don’t want me to describe it—kind of an “all of the above” sickness that included fever).
A few days later, I succumbed.
One afternoon, in sheer misery, I recognized that I was slipping quickly into a woe-is-me-am-I-going-to-die? mode.
“Hey Daniel,” I squeaked out, “remember when we’d go around the circle saying things we’re thankful for?”
“Yeah,” he mumbled back.
“Wanna try that now?”
“OK.”
I started: “I thankful that the sky is blue.” (really—can you imagine how tired you’d become of a red sky?)
Daniel: “I’m thankful I can visit you and papi.”
“Me too.”
“I’m thankful for Cheetah.”
“I’m thankful I like my job.”
“I’m thankful for God…”
And so it went for a good while.
It was more than fun and we both felt like we’d picked ourselves out of some kind of a ditch—at least for a while.
Hopefully you aren’t in need of that right now, but if (or when) you are, please get whatever help you need—and also, know that you can take yourself by the hand and move in a good direction.
May your rest be sweet,
Alicia.