Can you honor both ambition and rest?
🔮It's a magical combination. But can we do it?
I have post-op appointments for two different surgeries this week. I spent yesterday in urgent care then laying flat trying to avoid another trip to the ER. I think I got a cold from urgent care.
And meanwhile, we’re all watching in real time as the world burns down.
🗣️Yet there's this little voice in the back of my head yelling at me to be more productive.
I love being ambitious. I love setting goals and watching my dreams come true. I absolutely adore having a purpose and mission in life that drives me.
But damn if sometimes that's more harmful than helpful.
2024 was a year of dreams coming true for me.
📚I saw my novel BECAUSE FAT GIRL in airports and bookstores around the country, and I finally got to share this world I've created with you all. I did two book tours and sent thousands of messages to readers, shop owners, media, etc.
🏥I also spent much of the year recovering from three different surgeries, two of which removed organs from my body.
Rest is a double edged sword for me.
I think it's important and vital and want to prioritize it when I need it. And I also hate having to take it when I'm feeling energized and want to go-go-go.
👩🏻💻Right now, I have so much creative energy longing to get out. I desperately want to work on the sequel to BECAUSE FAT GIRL and the movie project I'm starting.
🛌Yet I'm stuck laying flat in too much pain to do much.
It's a hard place to be in and the only thing that makes it bearable is the fabulous community I have rallied around me.
🔵My neighbor drove me to Libélula books today because I desperately needed out.
🔵I visited Mysterious Galaxy books after a doctor's appointment and the staff cheered me up (and gave me a great book rec).
🔵An entrepreneur friend I'v never met in person sent me Thai food and a note reminding me to rest.
🔵My Write Your Friggin' Book Already® and 33 Asks® participants all thanked me for modeling self-care when I pushed our coaching calls.
🔵Dozens of people have reached out to help.
And that’s how I know that community is the answer.
Life has swung from wonderful to difficult over the last few years, but it's never lost its magic thanks to the wonderful community I have around me.
Thank you for being a part of that community.
✨Thank you for going out to bookstores to support BECAUSE FAT GIRL. Thank you for sending messages about how much you love it. Thank you for sharing it with your friends.
And thank you for reminding me that it's okay to be human. Thank you for letting me take the space I need to heal. Thank you for showing up as your imperfect selves so I can do the same.✨
🔮It's magical, this community we're creating that honors both ambition and rest. I'm honored to be a part of it.
To help us both balance ambition and rest, I’ve got a few resources:
If you’re feeling excited and rest is NOT the answer, read this.
If you’re feeling exhausted and rest IS the answer, read this.
If you want to create a life that allows you to do both, check out my Creative Life Blueprint course.
How do you balance hustle and rest? I’d love to know your tips in the comments.