How much sleep did you get this week? How early have you set your alarm? How late did you stay up simply because you needed the extra time?
Maybe your week has been defined by our word of the week: tired.
Tired: to be drained of strength and energy.
Maybe you're tired because you're tired of being alone. Maybe you're tired because you've said yes to a social event too many times this week. Maybe you're tired because things you want resolved in your life aren't resolved. Maybe you're tired because it is scientifically proven that uncertainty exhausts your brain. You can literally do nothing all day right now but still feel drained (crazy, right?)
So where's the hope in this?
One of my favorite scriptures has always been these words of Jesus, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:24)
I think these words are the balm our souls need right now (even if you aren't a Jesus person) because they point us to this truth: we find rest for our bone-tired weariness IF we surrender.
We have the capacity to find rest IF we LET GO.
I don't know about you but as much as I talk the good talk about balance and self-care, I really want it all. I want to have time to do well at work. I want my laundry to not to pile up. I want to show up for people I love. Yet, I keep learning that best intentions = impossible dreaming. We all have limits.
So here's the nugget of truth: if you are ready to admit that you are tired and want to rest, you don't get to control the outcome.
You only have one job: downsizing your life.
Your tiredness can in fact be a teacher to you-- a wise teacher that shows you things that you've been long ignoring. Maybe you need a different bedtime. Maybe you need to say no more often. Maybe you need to fill your days with more nourishing people. Maybe you are not doing the work that is yours to do.
So, all my weary and heavy laden friends, start here: have a conversation with someone you trust about your weariness.
Make a plan to open up one space in your week to rest (however you define that). Take one long break this week and just enjoy the gift of being alive! And know that as you do, your Creator is waiting to offer you deep peace -- peace that will be there to carry you through whatever may come.
XO
Elizabeth
