Rest

You’ve accomplished enough.
Let your heart rest,
and claim not the lies
that tell you that you are inadequate.

You’ve been conditioned to affix 
the label of lazy onto yourself, 
but laziness and the need for rest 
have never been synonyms,
and rest need not be earned. 

You are worth more than narrow definitions
that seek to diminish your identity
while running you ragged and bringing you
to the point of exhaustion.
Rest. Reflect. Remember.
Breathe.
We were always meant to find peace
internally in the solace and confidence
of our own minds and souls.

Rest is so important. I find that there are certain concepts that I’ve internalized, and allowing myself to let go of those has been healing.
“If you haven’t worked yourself to the point of exhaustion, you haven’t done enough.”
No. You can accomplish all you are meant to and still feel energized. Exhaustion and the worth of your work are not connected.

“You cannot rest until all the work is done.”
The truth is that there are things I do have to finish in one sitting; however, sometimes I’ve realized that I’ve put pressure on myself to just get through something when the truth is that I need to rest.
So, take breaks when you need. Seek rest. Breathe. Seek clarity. Everything will be alright.

Friends, thank you so much for reading my poetry. Feel free to share it.

I also wanted to let you know that I wrote two blogs fairly recently. My blog entitled “Anxiety” details how much of the anxiety and perfectionism I’ve faced in life could be partly because of conservative Christian teachings and narratives. If that interests you, go ahead and take a look at that.
My latest blog entitled “You Don’t Have to Be Grateful” talks about how the concept that we should be thankful for pain because it keeps us dependent on some kind of higher spiritual being and keeps us from becoming arrogant has never actually been true. You do not have to praise pain.  
To read my blogs, click the link below.

Friends, I hope you find the peace and rest you need. You are stronger than you know, but you’re not required to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.

Peace.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Susannah