Even if you’ve heard the term “Pura Vida,” and understand what it means, there’s something entirely different about experiencing it.
Pura Vida means “pure life” or “simple life.”
Life in Costa Rica has taught me that I can live a full life and be easy about it.
All while still growing a business I love.
Prior to starting my business (14 years ago), I had never been much of a napper.
In fact, I prided myself on being as productive as I could be. The more recognition I received for “doing so much” the more I wanted to do it.
Eventually, that started to shift.
As a young widowed parent, I always felt justified in taking naps because I felt I had “earned” the right to rest.
There is always more to do so I felt I needed to justify the times I wanted to check out or do nothing.
The older I got, the more I resented the guilt I was feeling when I didn’t want to do anything.
(Kind of a catch-22… already feeling guilty then I’d get mad that I felt guilty).
Resting isn’t quitting.
As parents, we know when our children need rest.
They’re cranky, weepy, and in general, do not want to cooperate.
As adults, we simply drink more coffee to “get through” it because things have to get done.
Inevitably, we rest because we have to and we feel like we’ve earned it.
Our to-do list is checked off and obligations are met.
Here’s the thing…
Rest is vital to our health and wellbeing.
It does not have to be earned.
We need to rest to restore our energy and be fully present.
Rest isn’t always sleeping.
It can be:
- a quiet afternoon with a book
- a leisurely coffee date with a friend
- taking the long road home
- a walk with the dogs, simply to get out of the house and get some fresh air
- binge-watch something on T.V.
- a massage (my personal favorite)
- hiring some help (allowing you to buy a little time back)
Rest is what allows us to show up and be fully present for the people we love and the things that light us up.
Make it a priority.
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