It's been a while since I last wrote, and if I'm honest, it was a necessary pause. Sometimes, life demands we step back, take a breath, and simply be. I've had my share of highs, lows, and in-betweens recently, and during this time, I found myself coming face-to-face with what it means to truly embrace self-love, self-care, and self-empowerment. It’s been a journey of acknowledging my own forced resilience, and I’d like to share a bit of what I’ve learned.
The Trap of Forced Resilience
If there's one thing I’ve become intimately familiar with, it’s the cycle of forced resilience. It’s the need to push through everything, even when your mind and body are begging you to stop. Society often praises us for this kind of strength, but I've come to realize that there’s a darker side to it. Forced resilience is not about strength; it's about survival, and it’s not sustainable.
There were times when I wore resilience like a badge of honor. I pushed through sleepless nights, long days, and overwhelming emotions because I thought that’s what I was supposed to do. But what I’ve learned is that resilience, when forced, leads to burnout, exhaustion, and the kind of fatigue that no amount of sleep can cure.
Self-Love: The Courage to Stop
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned during this break is that self-love means giving yourself permission to stop. It’s a radical act of kindness to allow yourself to rest, to recharge, and to not have all the answers. Self-love isn’t about perfection; it’s about acceptance. It’s about knowing that you are enough, even on the days when you don’t feel strong or productive.
I had to remind myself that my worth isn’t tied to how much I can endure, but in how well I take care of myself. It’s about respecting my own needs, setting boundaries, and letting go of the pressure to always be “on.”
Self-Care: More Than a Buzzword
Self-care goes beyond the surface-level indulgences we often see in media. Sure, it can be bubble baths and spa days, but it’s also the deeper, sometimes uncomfortable work of nurturing your mental and emotional health. For me, self-care looked like acknowledging my need for space, allowing myself to feel without judgment, and seeking support when things felt too heavy to carry alone.
Taking this break was my way of saying, “I need time for me.” It’s okay to not be okay all the time, and it’s okay to take a step back to nurture yourself. Self-care is about filling your own cup so that you can show up fully in life. It’s about knowing when to push and when to pause.
Self-Empowerment: Reclaiming Control
Forced resilience takes away our sense of control. It makes us feel as though we have to keep going, no matter what. Self-empowerment, on the other hand, is about reclaiming that control. It’s about making choices that align with who we truly are, not who we think we should be. It’s about standing in our truth, even if that truth means admitting we need a break.
This journey back to myself has been about reclaiming my voice. It’s about reminding myself that I am in charge of my own well-being, and I get to decide what I need. Sometimes, that means saying no. Sometimes, it means stepping away from projects, obligations, and the constant hustle to simply breathe.
The Importance of Rest, Restoration, and Resolve
Rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. We live in a world that glorifies busyness, but I’ve learned that rest is where the real magic happens. Rest allows us to restore our energy, clear our minds, and reconnect with ourselves. It’s in the stillness that we find clarity, and it’s in the quiet moments that we gather the strength to move forward.
Restoration goes hand in hand with rest. It’s about rebuilding ourselves, piece by piece, after life has worn us down. It’s about finding our center again and nurturing our spirit so that we can show up in the world as our best, most authentic selves.
And then there’s resolve. The resolve to not fall back into the patterns of forced resilience, to not let the world dictate how we should measure our worth, and to not be afraid to prioritize our well-being. This resolve is what keeps us grounded, even when life feels chaotic.
Moving Forward: A Commitment to Myself
As I ease back into writing and sharing, I’m doing so with a renewed sense of purpose. This break has reminded me of the importance of rest, self-love, self-care, and self-empowerment. It’s shown me that taking care of myself is not an option; it’s a necessity. And it’s taught me that I don’t have to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders to prove my worth.
I hope this serves as a gentle reminder to you as well. If you’ve been pushing through, trying to be everything for everyone, know that it’s okay to pause. It’s okay to take a break, to rest, to restore, and to find your own resolve. After all, you deserve it.
Thank you for being patient with me during this time, and for joining me on this journey. I’m excited to continue sharing, growing, and learning with you. Let’s keep moving forward—at our own pace, on our own terms, and with love, care, and strength.
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#reedwithpurpose #drtarareed #onepearlmovement #motivation #empowerment #inspiration #authentic #vulnerable #healthyresilience
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