The Invisible Black Woman

Let’s set the record straight: rest is not a reward. Rest is a right.

We live in a world that glorifies workaholism and idolizes productivity, where being “busy” is often seen as the ultimate badge of honor. It’s easy to get caught up in the grind, to feel like your worth is measured by how much you accomplish in a day. You might tell yourself you’ll rest after you meet that deadline, finish that project, or hit that milestone. But what happens when the finish line keeps moving? When the to-do list never ends? When your days blur together into an endless cycle of pushing yourself to do more, be more, achieve more?

More and more, I’m learning in my big ole ripe age that if you wait for life to hand you permission to rest, you’ll burn out before you ever get there.

This idea that rest is something to be earned, that you can only pause after you’ve “done enough,” is a lie. A toxic one, at that. The truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup, yet so many of us keep trying. Running on fumes, convincing ourselves that exhaustion is a sign of dedication. That sleepless nights are proof of our commitment. That if we just push a little harder, we’ll finally “deserve” a break. But there is nothing honorable about running yourself into the ground.

Think about it: would you let your phone battery die without charging it? Would you run your car on empty and then be shocked when it breaks down? Of course not. You take care of these things because you know they can’t function without proper maintenance. So why do we treat ourselves like exceptions to the rule? Why do we believe we can keep going, keep producing, keep showing up for everyone and everything without stopping to recharge?

Let me remind you: you are not a machine. You’re not designed to operate at full speed without pause. Even the most powerful engines need maintenance. Even the most efficient systems need downtime. So why do we hesitate to give ourselves the same care?

It’s your right to press pause. To step away. To say, “bye, Felicia!” to all them doggone responsibilities. At least for a while.

I know, I know: it’s easier said than done. The world doesn’t make it easy to claim rest, especially when you’re juggling responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations. But here’s the thing: rest is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. It’s how you recharge your spirit. It’s how you preserve the energy to keep going. Resetting isn’t giving up; it’s preparing yourself to come back stronger. Recharging isn’t laziness; it’s self-preservation.

So, take a moment to assess where you’re at. Are you pushing yourself too hard? Ignoring the signs that you’re running low? Be honest. And then give yourself what you need—whether it’s five minutes of quiet, an hour to unplug, or a full day to do absolutely nothing.

Maybe you need a nap. Maybe you need a walk in the fresh air. Maybe you need to log out of your email and binge-watch your favorite show. Whatever rest looks like for you, embrace it. Claim it unapologetically. Because you don’t have to earn rest. It’s yours for the taking.

And let’s not overlook the importance of resetting. Sometimes, rest isn’t just about pausing—it’s about recalibrating. Taking stock of where you are and where you want to be. Maybe you’ve been heading down a path that no longer feels right. Maybe you’ve been saying “yes” to things that drain you, out of obligation or fear of disappointing others. Resetting is your chance to realign with what truly matters to you. To let go of what’s no longer serving you and make room for what will.

Resting, recharging, and resetting are acts of self-love. They’re how you honor your needs, your limits, and your humanity. They’re how you remind yourself that you are worthy of care. Not someday, but today. Right now.

And let’s not forget the ripple effect. When you prioritize your well-being, you inspire others to do the same. You give them permission to rest, recharge, and reset too. Because let’s face it: rest is contagious. When one person sets the example, it creates a ripple effect that encourages others to follow suit. So when you choose to take care of yourself, you’re not just helping yourself—you’re helping to shift the culture. You’re helping to create a world where rest is respected, valued, and celebrated.

I know it’s not always easy. I know the pressure to keep going, to keep producing, to keep “proving” yourself is real. But there is no job, no task, no goal worth sacrificing your health, your sanity, or your peace of mind for. You can’t show up as your best self if you’re running on empty. And the world doesn’t need a burned-out version of you. It needs the whole, healthy, vibrant, rested version of you.

You have the right to rest. You have the right to recharge. And when you do, you’re not just pausing—you’re honoring yourself.

So today, give yourself permission to take a break. To step back. To breathe. You’ve earned it—not through your accomplishments, but through your existence. You are worthy of rest simply because you are.

Until next time, I wish you nothing but sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns, which are no less fictitious than the power you hold to reset, recharge, and reclaim your peace.