A Reflection on Exhaustion

and why rest is okay, even if it doesn't feel like it

Summer is always a weird time for me.

After having a schedule so full I could barely find time to hang out with friends during the school year, the thought of having a vast expanse of nothing planned for three months was incredibly daunting.

So, what did I do? I filled up my summer as well.

Two weeks of counseling at a summer camp, a theater competition across the country, fundraising for a mission trip, working, prepping for college, three more weeks of camp, a family vacation—

But now, in this current week that I have off, I’ve been reflecting on stillness. On not having something to do. On focusing on spending the extra time that I do have making meaningful connections instead of always thinking of the next task.

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

Throughout the course of this week, I’ve come to realize that constantly filling my break time with more things to do isn’t good or healthy. And despite feeling incredibly bored for the first day or so, I’ve had time to play games with my family, to catch up with friends, and to just take time to myself - all without worrying about what’s coming next.

And while I certainly can’t do absolutely to do, I also equally need to rest and let myself recharge.

So for those of you who are in a similar situation, here’s a song that I find incredibly helpful whenever I’m tempted to just keep steaming ahead without breaks. Fittingly, it’s called Quiet.

I don′t need to know what comes next

Tomorrow’s in Your hands

I can trust You with my future

′Cause You’re already there

I hear Your voice call me forward

I know I′m not alone, I’m not alone

Away with the distractions, I wanna hear what’s true

The only words that matter, they come from You

I′ll just be quiet

And let You speak through the silence

Here I am, no more hiding

You are in this moment, I won′t fight it

I’ll be quiet

“Quiet” (Acoustic), by Hillside Recording ft. Diana Trout.

Thanks for reading! Until next time.

Abby