Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 341 – The Power of Rest

19 Sep 2021 47 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

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“When you get tired, learn to rest, not quit.”

Banksy

Think I needed this reminder, this weekend, Spidey, thank you!

I have fast learned this over the last few years, you know, putting my physical health ahead of everything else.

I just recently read a post I had written several years ago, about how, as a teacher, I, along with many of my colleagues, find it hard to admit being unwell, slogging away, for fear of getting behind, evenif we desperately need a day in bed, to recover from an ailment.

But now, I am of the firm belief that self care comes first.

Now, I’m not talking about taking random days off to get my nails done, but knowing when I really need to stop, recharge my batteries, before continuing on the constant treadmill that is life.

School isn’t going to stop. And I can run myself ragged, being there every day, in sickness and in health (yup, it’s like being married to my job!) but, if something was to happen to me, school won’t suddenly cease to operate. they will just carry on with a repllacement Ritu in town, because they have to. (Well, it won’t be a new Ritu, as such, there’s only one of me, but you know what I mean!)

So, if I am to give the best to my job, as well as to my family, my writing, and my own interests, I have to know when to stop, or slow down, and rest.

THis past eighteen months, the whole pandemic, on top of moving house has meant that I have barely enough enercy for the basic daily life tasks, and school, meaning much less time for me to write. But I realise that I could burn the candles at both ends, and end up with words that are filled with no passion, and myself suffering from burnout.

I am not willing to do that. Whichever words flow from my fingers, need to be words that mean something, so, until I feel on an even keel, they are there, in my mind, and ideas jotted down as they come.

And with work, I have realised that I have to draw a line somewhere, too, and not bring my stresses home with me, if I can help it.

This, on top of feeling a bit unwell this weekend. Those lovely little mites in my class are filled with bugs and germs, and because we have all had less exposure to a lot the last few months, our immune systems aren’t as hardy as the were before. I have a really sore throat, and am tired, obviously.

So, I made sure I did my grocery shopping on Friday evening, so Saturday meant a little lie in. The laundry was done, the house cleaned, leaving the evening, and today free for me to rest up, ready for whatever the next week brings.

Here’s hoping I manage to listen to my own advice… you know me!

So, what about you? Can you recognise when you need to rest, not give up?

namaste

Wishing you a wonderfully peaceful Sunday, Peeps!

47 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. Jennie
    Sep 24, 2021 @ 21:52:57

    Way to go, Ritu! I’m so glad you listened to yourself and rested.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. Leanne
    Sep 20, 2021 @ 23:13:04

    I think that’s a great reminder every other week 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. willowdot21
    Sep 20, 2021 @ 11:48:28

    Not really I usually push myself until I run out of steam and drop…. Does that sound familiar 💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. petespringerauthor
    Sep 20, 2021 @ 02:30:03

    It took thirty-one years of teaching and retirement to learn this lesson. I retired to take care of myself three years earlier than I had planned. It was one of the best decisions of my life—too bad it took so long to figure it out.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Rae Longest
    Sep 20, 2021 @ 01:10:11

    Why is it I am always doing something while I rest?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. syl65
    Sep 19, 2021 @ 18:22:09

    Your body and mind will definitely let you know that you need a pause/rest to reenergize. Like you said, not some frivolous day off for the heck of it but taking time to let our mind, body and spirit recoup from the daily grind.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more
    Sep 19, 2021 @ 18:07:49

    Take care of you, Sis! You are having too many side hustles. The house has no feet, and will not walk away. So you can keep more time for yourself. Best wishes for a wonderful new week. xx Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more
    Sep 19, 2021 @ 18:05:16

    Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. johnrieber
    Sep 19, 2021 @ 17:05:29

    I think that far too often, people are taught that “rest” is “laziness”…and you only rest when ill, which is then too late! Terrific post!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. Keith
    Sep 19, 2021 @ 15:04:50

    Ritu, one of the lines from Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne series of books is a mantra of this character – “Rest is a weapon.” He was always on the go, but realized if he did not rest, he could die from being too tired to do his job and stay safe. Keith

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. April Munday
    Sep 19, 2021 @ 13:31:13

    I hope your throat, as well as the rest of you, is feeling a bit better today.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. Erika
    Sep 19, 2021 @ 13:13:07

    Right, sis. It’s not about doing less (maybe it is) but mainly about managing energy levels better and also listening better to your own needs. Our pride and habits are often still in the way. It is of no use to put yourself behind because then we are not of support in the long run. You and I had to learn it and so did most of us. We need to pay more attention to what our body’s or mental condition wants to tell us – pandemic or not.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. Klausbernd
    Sep 19, 2021 @ 10:50:55

    Dear Ritu,
    you are absolutely right. We have to rest regularly especially when we are getting older.
    Wishing you happy resting
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. lssattitudeofgratitude
    Sep 19, 2021 @ 09:25:44

    You are so correct. We feel we are invincible. We feel the world will cease to exist if we are not there. Take it from someone who had a 35 year career in teaching, take care of yourself first. The rest will still be there when you return.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. Books & Bonsai
    Sep 19, 2021 @ 08:44:43

    You’ll need honey and lemon for your throat, Ritu as well as rest!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. CJ
    Sep 19, 2021 @ 08:34:32

    It’s so easy to push yourself to just keep going and going and going isn’t it. I am guilty of thinking, ‘I’ll just do this one thing and then I’ll have a break,’ and then just never getting around to it. But as you say, it’s so important. I’ve barely had a day off from my freelance writing in the past year, except for a week away, and I can feel that I am starting to struggle a bit. Here’s to having the off free day!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  17. Marje @ Kyrosmagica
    Sep 19, 2021 @ 08:17:22

    Important to not overdo it Ritu. Hope you manage to rest a bit. Hugs Marje x

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  18. Barely A Blog
    Sep 19, 2021 @ 05:37:46

    Yes girl! Take care of YOU first ❤
    Great post!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  19. 🧝‍♀️Rarenwise🧝‍♀️
    Sep 19, 2021 @ 05:18:47

    Love it! A valuable one to learn. That’s for sure

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

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