Take a break!
Hi friend,
The past few weeks I’ve been talking about how you can make change sustainably.
Here’s a tip you might not have been expecting: take a break.
Seriously. Resting is so essential to learning and growing—think about kids. One of the biggest tells a kid is going through a growth spurt is how much more they’re sleeping! Rest gives a chance to deeply process what we’re learning and the ways we’re growing.
I’ve encountered folks who feel guilty about the idea of taking a break, especially when the changes they’re making are changes related to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. I understand that—these changes are so necessary and so urgent that it can feel like rest is wasted time, but it really is not. It’s really essential if you want to deeply engage with change and avoid the kind of burnout that makes you give up on this work altogether.
There’s also ways to rest that keep you connected with the work you’re doing. Here are some ways I rest while staying connected to my mission of making the world a more affirming and welcoming place for gender diverse folx:
Reading memoir and fiction. Your mind absorbs fiction and narrative in a totally different way from how it absorbs facts and information. You can give your brain a break by reading memoir or fiction while also engaging with stories that deepen your empathy and understanding of the unique, subjective experiences of other people. (Watching TV or movies can have a similar effect!
Listening to podcasts. One of my favorite podcasts is On Being with Krista Tippet. It’s not at all about gender diversity—but it is about engaging deeply, thoughtfully, and generously with the world and each other. These are all ways of being I try to cultivate both in my work and my personal relationships. Listening to the thoughtful conversations Krista and her guests have about a wide range of subjects helps me feel restored and renewed in my efforts to be that way too.
Do something joyful and fun. I’m so excited for June—Pride month! What a great way to celebrate LGBTQ+ resilience and community.
I’d love to hear how you take a break while staying connected with the work you’re doing—send me an email or leave a comment on Instagram.
Fondly,
Cate