Self-Care Is Not Selfish: How to Rest Without Guilt and Recharge Your Soul
Why Self-care is not selfish
I’m learning to choose rest.
I’ve always thought if I move fast enough, I could outrun that fear of the voice that called me lazy.
Because if you are not moving, you must be lazy, right?
But the older I get, I’m able to look back with perspective on the life I’ve lived so far. It’s been a good life and a full life, but somehow…once again…I’d forgotten how to rest.
It becomes natural if we do lay down for rest to reach for a TV remote or check out Instagram one more time.
And do we really need to check Facebook to see what someone had for dinner or where they are driving or what they are dismayed about?
Over our own restoration?

Resting Doesn’t Mean You’re Lazy
Today I choose to lay here with my arms outstretched and just be aware and enjoy the moment and it felt good and right. Not a stitch of “lazy” in it.
Because I am desperate for rest.
Not the kind where I lay down and put my feet up, but where my soul rests with God. Where I can hear his voice and I’m not drowning it out with my to-do list, or my overactive brain images.
I want to rest in His presence, cultivating awareness that He is here with me.
Today, try to lay down long enough that you can doze for a few minutes in the sunlight.
When you wake up? Stretch.
I mean like full and total fingertips to toes stretch. When was the last time you did that? It feels amazing.
There is no time for amazing in the rushed, in the frenzied.
It is found in moments of rest.
Your Invitation to Graceful Self-Care
If this resonated with you, you might love my free devotional, Grace for the Stuck: A 7-Day Invitation to Slow Down and Breathe.
It’s a simple, grace-filled guide to help you slow down, rest, and remember that even in the blur of ordinary days, your life holds deep meaning.
You can grab it free here.

Slow living books I liked
- Rest: Finding Stillness in the Midst of Busy
- Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives SO good
- Destination Simple: Everyday Rituals for a Slower Life
- Seeking Slow: Reclaim Moments of Calm in Your Day
- Choosing Rest: Cultivating a Sunday Heart in a Monday World
- Disclosure: I only recommend products I do/would use myself. This post may contain affiliate links that at NO additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission to help support this blog. Read full privacy policy here.







