Why We Need To Pause

The importance of a restful Sunday

Dear Friend 

How are you feeling on this rather fine Sunday, I’m holding out for a really warm sunny day, because right now it’s a little humid and grey here in South Wales.

As you know, I love to encourage you to take at least 10 minutes, if possible, half an hour to journal on a Sunday. Because for many of us, Sunday has become just another day to catch up on tasks, complete unfinished work, or prepare for the week ahead. 

Do we even know what the concept of a “day of rest” means these days?

To me it can feel like a distant memory or a luxury that’s simply out of reach.

You might be an entrepreneur, a mother, a caregiver or juggling all of these roles, leaving little time to focus on yourself.

But what if Sundays could be different?

What if, instead of feeling the pressure to keep going, you could find a way to slow down and truly recharge, even if only for a few minutes?

This is where the magic of Sunday WORD:ship comes in - a space dedicated to therapeutic journaling that invites you to pause, reflect and reconnect with yourself.

This is the question I get asked time and time again…

Why is it so hard to relax on Sundays?

In my humble opinion, I reason why we don’t rest so much on a Sunday, is because it can feel counterproductive. There’s a persistent belief that if we’re not DOING, we’re falling behind. This mindset, though, is not only exhausting but unsustainable.  Constantly operating on “DO” mode leads to burnout, stress and a disconnection from our inner selves.

My dear friend

Emma Gannon

has written a couple of books on this particular topic and most recently her brilliant book about A Year of Doing Nothing - so popular it sold out, but do not worry, it will be back in print this November, just in time for our Creative Unblocking weekend retreat. Are you joining us?

Many of us have internalised the belief that our worth is tied to our productivity.  I keep writing about this time and time again, almost like a Note To Self.  We’ve been conditioned to see rest as a weakness, and this can make it difficult to give ourselves permission to pause.  Hence why I always, always encourage my students to ‘pause for thought’ every single time they begin to journal. So what if I told you that taking time to slow down, especially on Sundays, could actually enhance your productivity, creativity and overall wellbeing?

My Getaway Cabin last Sunday made me REALLY slow down!

The importance of stillness…

Stillness doesn’t come naturally to everyone, particularly to those of us who are used to juggling multiple roles and responsibilities.  But stillness is CRUCIAL for mental, emotional and even physical health.  It’s in these quiet moments that we can reconnect with our inner selves, process the week that has passed, and set intentions for the one to come.

Sunday WORD:ship is about reclaiming this stillness.  It’s about making a conscious decision to carve out just 10 minutes to sit with your thoughts and feelings.  Through therapeutic journaling, you can begin to unwind, reflect and ultimately, reconnect with who you are beyond your to-do list.

Would you care to join me to journal for a few minutes now, it doesn’t matter where you are even if you’re in the middle of something really important, meal prepping or on hanging out the second round of laundry, take a break!  I’ve curated these prompts to help you embrace the powers of pausing.  Hoping it will guide your reflection for just a few minutes this Sunday.  If anything, they should help you slow down, tune into your inner voice and find clarity in the midst of your busy life.

1. What do I need to let go of from the past week?

2. What brings me joy?

3. How do I want to feel this week?

4. What boundaries do I need to set to protect my time and energy?

5. What would make me feel truly rested and recharged?

6. What has been my biggest accomplishment this week?

7. What challenges did I face this week, and what did I learn from them?

8. Who or what inspired me this week?

9. How can I show myself kindness and compassion today?

10. What are my intentions for the upcoming week?

Now take a moment to think about how you could reclaim your Sundays.  It doesn’t have to be another busy day on your calendar.  By dedicating just a few minutes to journaling, you can transform it into a day of reflection and renewal.  Give yourself the permission to slow down.  Remember stillness is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.  It’s in the quiet moments that you’ll find yourself again.  So, take a deep breath, pick up your journal and let the pen do the work.

Until the next time

Take care and stay safe xx

Join us here for our Creative Unblocking weekend retreat

If you’re interested in joining our Creativity Retreat hosted by Emma Gannon this November with some wonderfully like-minded women, please drop me an email at hello@easeretreats.com