08/26/2026
I used to think working all the time would prove I was "good enough".
I worked 10-hour days, six days a week. This went on for years. I never relaxed, never unplugged, never took vacations, and never came up for air. My life sped by and I didn't even notice it was happening.
Then one day, in the spring of 2020, the whole world stopped. I suddenly had more time than I knew what to do with. I felt lost without my purpose. But in that same moment, I finally had the freedom to take a walk in the forest, visit the beach, and hike up a mountain.
I realized doing these things made me happier and gave me more peace than I'd ever felt before trying to prove myself and live up to someone else's arbitrary expectations.
These days, I work a traditional job and run my art business at the same time. I'm no less busy than I ever used to be, but now I realize how important life outside of work truly is.
I make it a practice to take micro breaks throughout the day or give myself half a day off. I've even tried to work in "no phone Fridays" whenever I can.
The most important thing about life now, is that I give myself the time and grace to rest. Even if it's just in 15 minute blocks.
