Rest.

I recently read the book "Wintering," by Katherine May. May's thesis is that it is not only totally ok, but even appropriate and normal to retreat and rest during hard times. We need to internalize this! It is our duty to normalize this reaction for the next person that experiences it. We need to model this behavior for everyone who hits hard times. They need to know it's ok to rest. Retreat. Reassess. Step back. Take a time out. For as long as they fucking need!

This is not a normal year. Ok??? Ok. I've had so many conversations with people recently who bemoan the progress they haven't made this past year. This time has hit everyone SO differently. Those of us who are lucky enough to have fairly stable housing-- maybe even income-- are still feeling it, too. Maybe you've gained a few pounds, maybe you've had to dip into savings. You haven't made the progress you had planned, whether in your career, relationships, or creative journey. In fact, if you are a human on this earth and you have met or exceeded your goals from Jan 2020, please contact me bc I have QUESTIONS.

ANYWAY!

The point is, it's not a normal time y'all! This year doesn't count! Maybe that's oversimplifying but I believe it! If you have made it through the past year without causing intentional harm to yourself or others I WILL THROW YOU A FUCKING PARADE! You deserve it! This year has been incredibly hard. We, as a group, are experiencing massive trauma on a scale not seen in any of our lifetimes. Did you hear me?? You need to find as many ways as possible to rest, rest, retreat, hide, chill, recuperate, and rest some more. Whatever you want to call it. Do it.

See your to do list? I want you to chop off half of it. Better yet, choose at most 1-3 things to focus on and get rid of the rest. Seriously. Take at least one day a week where you have absolutely no obligations. No being productive allowed during this time! Rest, play, read, sleep, eat, watch tv, wander your neighborhood. Nothing from your to do list. You're gonna have worse days where you need to retreat even further. Pick out 2-3 acts of self care and have them ready to go on those days. A hot bath with a nice essential oil and a book or podcast. A special tea or treat you have for just those occasions. A favorite ice cream that you keep stashed to accompany your favorite guilty pleasure show or movie. Literally make a list and have everything prepared. Because those days will come for like no reason.

Except it is for a reason. We are all in the middle of a long winter, we have been (in this country) since March (in other places even longer). Spring will come. It is on its way, but it's not here yet. So reset your expectations, especially for yourself. Find new ways to take care of yourself. Get cozy, whatever that means to you. Spring will come again.

Need more support? Book a tarot or coaching session with Zoe!