When Did Rest Start Feeling Like a Luxury?

By Simply Flava — Sharing Her Thoughts

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how we treat rest — not as a right, but as a reward. Something we only “deserve” after pushing ourselves past the edge. As if exhaustion is a badge of honor, and stillness means we’re falling behind.

But I have to ask:

When did rest start feeling like a luxury?

I remember a time when rest was part of our rhythm. We’d sit on porches, take Sunday naps, slow cook meals, and pause long enough to really listen to one another. It wasn’t seen as lazy — it was just life. Balanced. Human.

Somewhere along the way, though, we lost that balance.

Taught to Push, Not Pause

We live in a world that praises productivity.

“Keep going.”

“Grind harder.”

“No days off.”

And we internalize it. We feel guilty when we slow down. We apologize for needing a moment. We hesitate to say, “I’m tired.” Because somewhere deep inside, we’ve been taught that rest must be earned.

But who decided that?

I know for me, especially as I’ve gotten older and as I’ve navigated pain, loss, and healing, my body has become louder. It doesn’t whisper when I’ve done too much — it lets me know. And I’ve learned the hard way that ignoring it only leads to setbacks I can’t afford.

The Guilt of Resting… Even When You Need It

Even now, I’ll admit — I sometimes feel that tug of guilt when I take a nap, say no to plans, or choose stillness over “checking something off the list.” It’s a work in progress.

Because the truth is, rest isn’t a luxury.

It’s not something we should feel bad about needing.

It’s sacred. Necessary. Healing.

Especially for those of us who’ve carried heavy loads for too long — caregivers, empaths, women, workers, survivors — our bodies and spirits are craving rest in ways that can’t be ignored anymore.

Redefining What Rest Looks Like

Rest doesn’t always mean sleep. Sometimes it looks like:

Sitting quietly with a cup of coffee by the window Turning off the phone for a few hours Journaling your feelings instead of holding them in Taking a longer shower, letting the water wash the day off Saying no without guilt

I’ve come to realize that true rest is more than physical — it’s emotional and spiritual too. It’s the space we give ourselves to breathe, to reflect, to not perform.

A Gentle Reminder

To anyone feeling guilty for needing rest, I want to offer this:

You don’t have to earn your rest.

You don’t need to explain your need for peace.

You are allowed to pause — even in a world that keeps spinning.

Rest is not a reward. It’s your birthright.

So today, I’m reclaiming rest.

Not as a treat, but as a practice.

Not just when I crash, but as a part of my everyday rhythm.

Because healing happens when we allow space for stillness.

And I deserve that. You do too.

🌻 Affirmation:

Today, I give myself permission to rest without guilt.

My peace is powerful. My healing is sacred.

I do not need to explain my stillness — I honor it.

Lady Flava aka Susan K

Simply Flava – Sharing Her Thoughts