No Days Off

Yauli province, Junín Region, Peru

As working adults, we are always doing something. The term "burnout" has been tossed around in my life for the past few years or so, but I didn't really have a problem with it. I've always been proud of my hard work. I'm very proud of the fact that I have worked for every dollar I've ever gotten. That's just who I am. But there came a point where I realized that rest can be productive, too.

To me, burnout was just something I had to coexist with for the rest of my life. I never saw an alternative to hard work. I still don't. But these past couple of weeks have taught me that even when you work hard, you still have to make time for rest. And it has saved me from burning out, especially since I started being self-employed.

I grew up surrounded by people who worked hard for their success. All the women in my life are hard-working professionals who truly define what it means to be successful in your career. I hold myself to that standard. Yes, there are long, demanding hours. It also takes a lot of brainpower. Even when I'm not writing or editing, I am always doing something.

So now I'm here to say: It is okay to rest. So take a break. Go rest, and then, keep on rock and rollin'.