100% relate to this! I've been sleeping 10+ hrs a day over the past few days. However, I had to fight against my mind to allow myself to do that! The pressure of being productive all the time is real!
Getting lots of sleep feels soo good to me too, especially in the midst of winter. Last night was my first night in a few weeks without an alarm, and it was heaven.
Back in uni, someone once taught me the importance of intentionally taking breaks and deciding to rest. Actively choosing to rest feels like reclaiming power from the guilt of not doing enough. These days, even just a few hours of true rest (and choosing to rest) makes a huge difference in my energy levels, as it’s no longer tied to guilt or shame.
As always, it’s such a pleasure to read your words 🥰 I actually received the notification this morning but saved it until later today as a treat before bed 🤭💕 Sending you lots of love! Hope you’re doing well 💫✨
I’m so glad to hear that! And your story actually reminds me of the fact that rest is not just self-care. It’s caring for those around us and even our work (whatever that means to you) too. At least I’m a much nicer person who can contribute more to the world when I’m well rested.
Hope you sleep well! I’m also going for a nap 😴 Thank you for your reply from the other side of the world, so lovely to hear from you! Sending lots of love back! 💓
Lovely piece! Rest is certainly a necessity and I am so happy to see a growing return to this practice of deep winter rest. Reading 'Wintering' and May's other books this past year was a life changer for me.
Lieke I got a nasty flu this weekend and I'm still feeling the after-effects of it today. Was planning to work because I'm insane I guess lol (I work at home). I think I was meant to read your newsletter today for that extra confirmation that I need to slow down.
I think that sometimes when we get sick it is our body begging us to slow down. How ironic and relatable that even when it hits the breaks we still try to find ways to keep going. Take extra good care of yourself! Hope you feel better soon 💐
Beautiful. Been on this journey for a couple of years now and I finally feel at peace with winter. Despite external circumstances pressuring me and the temptation to “do more” being RIGHT THERE; I rest. I honor my seasons as a woman, and the seasons outside.
Can confirm that early morning light is key. That habit hangs on by a thread for me in the winter, but if I get out for even 3 minutes with my mug of warm water in the morning, I congratulate myself.
Getting some morning light - or really any daylight - and movement into my day, gets tricky for me as well during the darkest months. I think in the depths of winter a little goes a long way and we should definitely congratulate ourselves on even the smallest achievements during these months!
In winter, for years, I too wondered why I felt slow and tired. Then, I thought about all the animals who hibernate. I thought about the plants that don't grow and the farmers who stop harvesting. I too, realized that my feelings were part of a natural cycle. Yet, it is so hard to get my inner voice to stop berating me for not being productive! I always have to take a deep breath and remind myself it is okay to rest.
It is hard to counter that conditioning. I remember when I was first confronted with burnout, I felt so worthless when I could barely get through the day. We need to actively remind ourselves of our worth even or especially when we’re resting, because societal messaging will easily have us believe otherwise..
100% relate to this! I've been sleeping 10+ hrs a day over the past few days. However, I had to fight against my mind to allow myself to do that! The pressure of being productive all the time is real!
Getting lots of sleep feels soo good to me too, especially in the midst of winter. Last night was my first night in a few weeks without an alarm, and it was heaven.
Back in uni, someone once taught me the importance of intentionally taking breaks and deciding to rest. Actively choosing to rest feels like reclaiming power from the guilt of not doing enough. These days, even just a few hours of true rest (and choosing to rest) makes a huge difference in my energy levels, as it’s no longer tied to guilt or shame.
As always, it’s such a pleasure to read your words 🥰 I actually received the notification this morning but saved it until later today as a treat before bed 🤭💕 Sending you lots of love! Hope you’re doing well 💫✨
I’m so glad to hear that! And your story actually reminds me of the fact that rest is not just self-care. It’s caring for those around us and even our work (whatever that means to you) too. At least I’m a much nicer person who can contribute more to the world when I’m well rested.
Hope you sleep well! I’m also going for a nap 😴 Thank you for your reply from the other side of the world, so lovely to hear from you! Sending lots of love back! 💓
Lovely piece! Rest is certainly a necessity and I am so happy to see a growing return to this practice of deep winter rest. Reading 'Wintering' and May's other books this past year was a life changer for me.
It absolutely is. What is your favorite way to rest?
Mostly sitting by the fire or in bed reading. ❤️
Thanks for the wonderful read, Lieke, and for the book recs📚! Wintering is a classic🤍
It truly is. Another one of my favorites for darker times is 'When Things Fall Apart' by Pema Chodron!
Lieke I got a nasty flu this weekend and I'm still feeling the after-effects of it today. Was planning to work because I'm insane I guess lol (I work at home). I think I was meant to read your newsletter today for that extra confirmation that I need to slow down.
I think that sometimes when we get sick it is our body begging us to slow down. How ironic and relatable that even when it hits the breaks we still try to find ways to keep going. Take extra good care of yourself! Hope you feel better soon 💐
Beautiful. Been on this journey for a couple of years now and I finally feel at peace with winter. Despite external circumstances pressuring me and the temptation to “do more” being RIGHT THERE; I rest. I honor my seasons as a woman, and the seasons outside.
Can confirm that early morning light is key. That habit hangs on by a thread for me in the winter, but if I get out for even 3 minutes with my mug of warm water in the morning, I congratulate myself.
Getting some morning light - or really any daylight - and movement into my day, gets tricky for me as well during the darkest months. I think in the depths of winter a little goes a long way and we should definitely congratulate ourselves on even the smallest achievements during these months!
In winter, for years, I too wondered why I felt slow and tired. Then, I thought about all the animals who hibernate. I thought about the plants that don't grow and the farmers who stop harvesting. I too, realized that my feelings were part of a natural cycle. Yet, it is so hard to get my inner voice to stop berating me for not being productive! I always have to take a deep breath and remind myself it is okay to rest.
It is hard to counter that conditioning. I remember when I was first confronted with burnout, I felt so worthless when I could barely get through the day. We need to actively remind ourselves of our worth even or especially when we’re resting, because societal messaging will easily have us believe otherwise..