The Power In Rest
By Joli Robinson
Joli Robinson is a vice president of government affairs and public policy at a nonprofit in Dallas.
We all deserve moments of rest. With all that is swirling around 2020, pandemics, protests, and a troubling political landscape, I have become vehement about protecting my peace and finding moments of rest.
It is my act of resistance and absolute defiance against everything this world seems to be trying to take away from me.
It has not been easy to shift my focus away from productivity at any cost, specifically at the cost of my own mental, emotional, and physical health. It has been a very deliberate and intentional focus on slowing down, getting outside, taking naps, and finding joy in reading, coloring, yoga, and doing nothing whenever I damn well please (pardon my French).
Throughout our history as a capitalistic society, we were taught that the only value we bring to this world is measured in how productive we are or how many people are in our network, but the reality is, that in times of a global pandemic we are reminded and can more clearly see that our negative relationship with being ridiculously productive and networking with as many people as possible, are not what will guard our spirit, inoculate us from the Coronavirus, or improve our overall health.
Let me be clear, there is tremendous benefit in connectivity with our community, but that health benefit has more to do with the quality of our relationships rather than quantity.
This is a significant shift in my attitude and behavior that not only has a direct impact on my own life, but a direct impact on how I can and am showing up for those I hold close. 2020 has taught me how to honor my feelings, redefine strength, and share my vulnerabilities knowing that in doing so I am bettering myself and helping support my tribe.
Joli Robinson is vice president of Government Affairs & Public Policy for a non-profit organization in Dallas. Twitter: @JoliARobin ; https://www.facebook.com/joliangelr ; Instagram: @JAngelRobin; https://www.linkedin.com/in/joliangelrobinson/
““ With all that is swirling around 2020, pandemics,protests, and a troubling political landscape, I have become vehement about protecting my peace and finding moments of rest. “-@JoliARobin, VP of Government Affairs & Public Policy, for a nonprofit in Dallas. ”