Without rest, our plans feel overwhelming

Rest isn’t a reward for work; it’s part of the work.

- KAYLYNNE BANTOM

This is a famous quote that I will be taking to heart this year. It challenges the mindset many of us have grown up with — the idea that rest must be earned only after exhaustion, burnout, or completion.

For a long time, I believed that slowing down meant falling behind. This year, I am unlearning that.

You might be wondering why I’m talking about rest when the year has just begun. Shouldn't this be the time for big goals, intense motivation, and constant productivity?

The truth is that is exactly why rest matters now. How we begin the year often determines how we experience it. Starting with balance, rather than burnout, sets a foundation for sustainable growth. Taking care of yourself is not a distraction from your goals; it is a crucial part of achieving them.