This quote from Alan Cohen is something I really need to strive for. He says, “There is virtue in work and virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” I tend to focus all my energy on writing, which I consider my work. Overlooking the importance of rest.

I know writing is very important to me and I am assuming it is important for my readers, but I need to not let myself forget about rest.

I have set an alarm for when I want to stop writing for the day, and for short breaks throughout the day. But I have yet to follow that. I often continue to write into the late hours of the night.

I need to really think about this quote and ask myself, “Why don’t I let myself rest?” I am asking that question now.

Writing is my passion in life. When I am writing, nothing else matters. I even get frustrated when my family needs to ask me something or have me do something for them because it disturbs my train of thought. I need to reread what I have written to remember that train of thought.

That isn’t good for my relationships with them. I am doing a 30 day challenge for self-care and today’s question to write about was, “Who are you grateful for?”

It talked about our need for human connection, which I sometimes don’t think I need. I have two friends that I connect with ~ only two. They are both friends I know online. I don’t have any local friends, and I find myself thinking that I don’t need to have local friends.

However, I know that rest isn’t always just sleep. At least it isn’t for me. Rest means to make time for other important things in life. Relaxation, meditation, friendship, spiritual practices, and just watching a TV show or movie.

All those things, I consider rest. Disengaging from writing to enjoy other things. I am going to keep my alarms set for breaks and work hard to follow them, but just like any other new habit, it takes time and effort.

Feel free to write about your thoughts on Alan Cohen’s quote. I would love to know what your thoughts and feelings are.

Here’s a beautiful quote from my Gratitude app to brighten your day 😇 https://gratefulness.page.link/yqbs