🤧 Rest Isn't Earned (And Neither Is This Newsletter)

Hey there! 👋 This week is going to be short and sweet…

Well, this is not how I imagined writing this week's newsletter. I had grand plans to send you gorgeous sunset photos from my Greek cruise while sharing insights about building a business that truly travels with you. Instead, I'm typing this from my AirBnB couch in pajamas, surrounded by tissues and the kind of brain fog that makes me question if "business" is even spelled correctly. 😅

Covid had other plans for my vacation, and honestly? It's been the reminder I didn't know I needed.

Here's what I keep thinking about while I'm stuck here recovering: rest isn't something you earn. You don't have to work 80 hours to "deserve" a break. You don't need to check off every item on your to-do list before you're "allowed" to recharge. And you definitely don't need to wait for your body to literally force you to slow down (though apparently, that's exactly what mine decided to do).

We've created this weird culture where rest feels guilty, where taking breaks seems lazy, where admitting you need downtime feels like admitting weakness. But here's the truth from someone currently living it: your body and your business will function so much better when you actually listen to what you need.

When's the last time you took actual rest? Not "productive rest" where you catch up on emails. Not "working vacation" where you're still taking client calls from the beach. I mean real, guilt-free, do-absolutely-nothing-important rest?

Here's your challenge: Go to your calendar right now and block out some rest time. It doesn't have to be a Greek cruise (clearly, those can get derailed anyway 🙃). It could be a Sunday afternoon with your phone in airplane mode or even just an hour where you don't feel obligated to create content.

Your business will survive. Your audience will understand. And honestly? You'll probably come back with better ideas and more energy than if you pushed through exhausted.

Since my rest is being forced by this lovely virus, I'm asking a favor this week: hit reply and share something good that's happened for you recently. It could be a business win, a personal milestone, or just something that made you smile. I could really use some good news while I'm curled up here recovering, and I love celebrating wins with this community!

Take care of yourselves, and remember - rest isn't earned, it's required. 💜

Tara

P.S. Don't worry, I'll share those Greek island photos eventually... 📸