In a society that glorifies busyness and equates success with relentless hustle, the concept of rest often gets overlooked or dismissed. We've been conditioned to believe that rest is something we must earn, a luxury reserved for the privileged few, or a bonus we can only enjoy once we've reached the point of burnout. However, this narrative couldn't be further from the truth.
As a Black woman navigating the intricacies of America's workforce, I've personally felt the weight of the "work twice as hard" mantra ingrained in me since childhood. The pressure to constantly prove myself and excel in every aspect of life has been both exhausting and overwhelming. Yet, despite the accolades and recognition for my hard work, I couldn't shake the feelings of anxiety and stress that accompanied my relentless grind.
Enter Tricia Hersey, the visionary behind @thenapministry, who challenges the societal norms that tie our worth to our productivity. Her message resonates deeply, particularly for marginalized communities like ours, as she reminds us of the resilience of our ancestors whose labor built nations but was stolen and exploited. Through her work, she actively exposes the fallacy of grind culture and advocates for prioritizing rest as a form of self-care and resistance.
Inspired by Tricia's wisdom, I've embarked on a journey of unlearning toxic narratives surrounding work and rest. It's been a process of reclaiming my birthright to rest and releasing the guilt and shame associated with it. Learning to prioritize rest feels like uncharted territory, but it's a path I'm committed to navigating.
I'm fortunate to have a support system of friends, family, and loved ones who remind me to slow down, breathe, and listen to my body. They've encouraged me to schedule breaks and embrace moments of rest without guilt or hesitation.
So, to those who still believe that rest is a privilege or a luxury, I challenge you to reconsider. Rest is not something we have to earn; it's a fundamental aspect of our humanity. It's a radical act of self-love and resistance—a way to honor ourselves and our well-being. As Tricia so eloquently puts it, "Release the shame you feel when resting. It does not belong to you."
In conclusion, let's embrace rest as an essential practice for nurturing our minds, bodies, and spirits. Let's reject the myth of rest being a privilege and instead recognize it as a birthright we all deserve.
Thank you, Tricia Hersey, for your wisdom, your insight, and your relentless advocacy for rest as resistance. Your work continues to inspire and empower us all.
Warm regards,
Kezia