Happy Friday, Friends! We made it, and here we are once again. Do you ever get the feeling that you are running in circles? Living each day in a warped repetition of going through the motions but not really accomplishing anything? Okay – good. Glad I’m not the only one. I recently had someone close to me share that they thought I should slow down and that it would do me good to have a couple of weekends to myself without the busyness of entrepreneurship, blogging (this will be hard), ministry work or even helping friends with projects. I was encouraged to take some down time. And today I want to encourage you to do the same.

Following this conversation I took a personal inventory of all of my roles, responsibilities and projects – all the hats I wear on a daily basis. And you know what? It was a little overwhelming to see visually all that I have taken on. Most of it is new territory and taken on within the last two years. Literally, two years ago I wasn’t doing any of the things I do now. Being a wife, a stepmom, my ministry work and lots of my entrepreneurship endeavors did not exist for me prior to Spring 2014. And I think to myself, what was I doing before? Did I have lots of down time – was I more relaxed? In reality, I wasn’t. Because instead I was a full time honors student working two part time jobs, freelancing for supplemental income, planning a wedding and literally writing papers until 2 am.

I am learning as I grow and mature, the value and necessity of slowing down and breathing. The beauty of not having something on your to-do list every second of the day. Wisdom to understand that your mind, body and soul need rest, time to unwind and simply chill out. So your assignment this weekend is it to take that inventory for yourself. What are all the hats you wear everyday? Is there something you could put down? Is your body trying to send you a signal that it needs a break? When our physical health declines, a lot of times we know to hit the breaks. But I want you to understand that you have a mental well-being too. And the mind can break down as well. I want better for. Your family wants better for you. No reward or accomplishment is so great that it is worth the sacrifice of yourself.

So until we meet again – rest, relax, unwind, chill, be well and live well. You deserve it.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. –Matthew 11:28

With Love & Light,

Tina B.