I often feel like we live in a world that glorifies being overly productive and excessively busy, as if it’s a competition or a test. Recently, I was listening to a lady talk about her own experiences of this. I sat smiling and nodding away in agreement to the things she was saying when suddenly, she shared a profound piece of advice that resonated deeply with me: “We should work from rest, not rest from work.”

This seemingly simple statement sparked a cascade of reflections within me. I found myself thinking not only of myself but also of who else I could share this refreshing perspective with, as an approach to both work and life.

When we think about our careers, most of us would consider work to be work, and rest to be something we get to do sparingly. For some of us, that’s on the weekend; for others, it’s the evenings, and for some, rest only ever feels achievable when we go on vacation. However, the idea of working from rest challenges this mindset and forces us to consider putting our wellbeing first for a change.

The more I thought about the advice, the more truth I could see in it. Working from a place of rest doesn’t mean being lazy or complacent; rather, it provides a foundation for the importance of nurturing ourselves so that we can function at our fullest.

In my own life, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of carving out time for rest. Whether it’s taking a leisurely stroll in nature, working out, or simply enjoying some peace and quiet, these intentional pauses help to restore my energy and calm my mind.

In sharp contrast, “resting from work” conjures up images of exhaustion, burnout, and resentment. When we view rest as an afterthought—a necessity born out of sheer necessity rather than a deliberate choice—it becomes a source of frustration.

Working from rest is not about shirking our responsibilities or sacrificing our ambitions. When you work from a place of rest, you are ready to work. Willing and keen. Rest should be prioritised and purposeful. After all, our positions are replaceable long after we have left the game. It’s not about how much we accomplish but rather how deeply we savour the journey.

© 2024 Juliette Proffitt

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