Mental Health Monday!

Today I want to talk about rest. As a descendant of enslaved people, rest is sacred and necessary. Let's look back a lil bit. When we crossed the Atlantic in were dragged here kicking and screaming we didn't rest. We didn't rest when sold on the auction block. We didn't rest when we were out in the fields. Many times even on Sunday the day of rest we still had to care for the master, the mistress, and the littles. No rest allowed but somehow we found time. Why because without sleep and actual rest you are not safe and safety was rarely afforded to the enslaved.

They built the American Empire on stolen land on the backs of the enslaved. And no rest was had. I find myself often fighting the urge to rest. I know it wasn't afforded to my people due to safety and enslavement so when I need to rest I will rest. Rest can be skipping all screens for 24 days. I only use my phone as a clock. It has reduced my screen time by about 15%. Less screen time has been significant to mental rest for me because I am not inundated with bad news.

Bad News Bear

Right now I am a full time online student, working full time, creating full time and a plethora of other things. But I am surely learning that I have to rest or my body will sit me down and have a come to Jesus meeting. Thankfully I can do small things to reduce my load. I ask for help when I need it. i turn off the news when I need to and I dance every single day. My second home is also any library I can get to. I love the library more than any other place.

Rest is important, it keeps you alert and ready for the day. My ancestors were not afforded this time I have so I will take breaks from everything including people to keep my sanity.