Let’s be real—nobody enjoys being sick. But these past two weeks really hit me hard. I’ve been battling a nasty combo of sore throat, sinus pressure, and nausea. It was the kind of sickness that makes even simple tasks feel exhausting.

Years ago, I would’ve dealt with this differently. Instead of prioritizing rest and recovery, I’d have reached for a drink, telling myself it would “kill the germs.” (If you’ve heard of the old English myth about hot toddies curing everything, you know what I mean.)

But let’s be honest—that approach never worked. I was only making myself feel worse in the long run by delaying true rest and adding alcohol to the mix.

Prioritizing Health Over Old Habits

Now I handle things differently. I pressed pause. I listened to my body and created space to recover. I drank all the water, got extra sleep, and cleared my schedule when I needed to. And guess what? The world kept turning!

Even though I wasn’t at 100%, I still managed to keep my coaching business running and stay on track with the launch of my  Fresh Start February sober course. I did this without pushing myself to exhaustion—something I never thought was possible back in my "power through at all costs" days.

This shift didn’t happen overnight. but it did happen and only when I stopped drinking. . It takes time to do the inner work, boundary-setting, and learning how to prioritize self-care over hustle and old coping mechanisms (like turning to alcohol for comfort).

If this sounds familiar, I want to share a few thoughts that might help you the next time you feel out of balance.

Rest Is a Radical Act of Self-Care

We live in a world that praises busyness and productivity. For many of us, resting can feel like failing. But here’s the truth:

Rest is not a weakness. Rest is a radical act of self-care.

When you take the time to rest and prioritize your health, you’re giving your body and mind the chance to heal and recharge. You’re allowing yourself to come back stronger, more focused, and more aligned.

So, if you’re feeling off—physically, mentally, or emotionally—remember that it’s okay to pause. Ask yourself this simple question:

"What’s the worst that can happen if I take a break to rest?"

Chances are, you’ll find that things won’t fall apart. In fact, taking a break might be exactly what you need to create more balance in your life.

Building Healthy Habits for the Long Run

The key to long-term health and well-being is learning to let go of habits that no longer serve you. For some, that might mean reducing or eliminating alcohol. For others, it’s about setting stronger boundaries or learning to listen to your body’s signals before burnout hits.

Whether you’re navigating menopause, burnout, or simply feeling stuck in a rut, ensuring self care and self love is essential.

You Deserve to Feel Rested and Free

Lovely, you don’t have to keep pushing yourself to the brink. You deserve to feel vibrant, rested, and free from the old habits and expectations that weigh you down.

So, the next time you’re under the weather—or just feeling overwhelmed—give yourself permission to pause. Rest isn’t just a break; it’s part of living intentionally.

Just like the famous commercial from years ago..."Because you're worth it" and you are!

Here’s to your health and happiness.