Enjoying good things

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about resting. I’ve also been thinking about where my body and mind dwell. Both a body and a mind can wear out when in perpetual motion.

For many years, I struggled to rest. I felt guilty about sleeping in or taking a nap. I loved to read, but I considered it a guilty pleasure. I pushed myself to burn the candle at both ends. I didn’t realize there was only so much wick in my candle and that burnout would eventually come. I took pride in listing all that I had accomplished. I thought checking off items on my to-do list would earn me a cape worn by superwomen. What was I thinking?

As I have gotten older, and perhaps a bit wiser, I realize just how wrong I was. Not only was I physically exhausted, but I was mentally worn out as well. I would lie awake at night, thinking about all that I still needed to accomplish. I struggled to turn off my thoughts. The weary one needs rest, but my mind argued, as if in a dissertation, about all that I still needed to accomplish.

Mornings always came too early, no matter the hour. I hit the snooze button way too many times. It wasn’t as if I was going back to sleep, but it gave me time to plan my day and what I would do. I was stuck in “ON” mode. Turning my mind and body to “OFF” seemed like a sin.

I don’t know why or how I came up with the idea that I needed to be a superwoman. I would earn no cape or trophy. I don’t know how or when I actually stopped needing to be busy…I just did.

Maybe it was a sermon I heard in which the preacher said, “And on the seventh day he rested from all his work.” Genesis 2:2 Yes, even God rested. Maybe it was my mother saying, “Janet Kay, you are wearing out your body and your mind. It will catch up with you.” I just know I stopped and realized there are no capes or trophies, not even participation ribbons.

People didn’t love or appreciate me any less. I wasn’t demoted in rank among those who feel the need to always be doing.

Things got done. Not always perfectly, but in a “Janet-approved” timely manner. I learned to prioritize and even delegate. It wasn’t easy. I struggled to give up control and to ask for help.

Here’s what I discovered …

• I had more energy to do what I needed.
• I felt more joy in doing what I needed.
• People did not seem to see me as “less than.”
• Instead of constantly feeling drained, I felt as if there was space to breathe and enjoy life more.
• Being kind to oneself is a good thing.

Here’s the thing that surprised me … I didn’t dread the things I needed to do as much. Laundry, house cleaning, organizing, and such. I did small to-dos, like cleaning out a drawer, while I watched Netflix on my laptop.

Even grown-ups need both motivation and a reward. Did you know that a walk to your favorite coffee shop for a latte counts as both?

I’ve done my research and found that taking time to read a book has cognitive, emotional, and physical benefits. It reduces stress and helps prevent cognitive decline. It might surprise you that it also enhances focus and improves sleep quality. Reading stimulates the brain. Did you know that reading improves communication skills?

Here’s a biggie: Reading fiction, in particular, allows individuals to experience different perspectives, strengthening their ability to understand and empathize with others. I could say so much more, but I’ll leave it at that.

Reading deepens our understanding of history, culture, and new ideas.

Did you know that when we read about a particular experience or activity, our brain lights up in the same place as when we actually experience it? I find that fascinating.

Reading reduces stress. With my stack of TBR (To Be Read) books, I should be stress-free in no time.

Thank you, Google, for enlightening me and helping me not feel guilty while sitting in my reading chair and sipping my coffee. My body and my mind thank you.

So, if you see me sitting on my front porch, sipping my coffee while reading a book of fiction, just know that I am being kind to my body and brain while reducing my stress and all those other things I wrote about.

There is another thing I have noticed as I am tiptoeing into my age of vintageness. Sleeping past 8 a.m. is not something my body allows, but being in bed by 8 p.m. is acceptable. I can live with that and see it as a good thing.

Janet’s latest book, “From the Hart,” is available for purchase on Amazon at a.co/d/06kiySik.

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Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). She is the recipient of the Reporter’s Spring 2025 Ink-Stained Wretch award. Visit janethartleonard.com.