Not So Simple Pleasures and The Epitome of Freedom

For the last few years, I’ve spent quality time at one of my favorite beaches in Maryland. There’s nothing like…

🏖️ Connecting with nature through a long, barefoot walk on the sand.

🏖️ Taking in the authentic sound of the ocean (instead of the nature sounds on my phone app Close, but not the same!).

🏖️ Reading a book on the beach, and

🏖️ Legit; just resting for rests sake!

The only thing that comes close to the above is one of my other favorite pastimes – fine dining with a view and/or music.

My last night in Ocean City was spent at the elegant and relaxing Hobbit Restaurant. I couldn’t have asked for a better view of the sunset. The food, service, and atmosphere was superb. Whenever I’m in the area, it’s my go-to place to get everything I appreciate about a lovely dining experience.

Not all such pleasures are simple, though.

🪻 I used to believe that working harder and longer would make me more valuable and productive.

🪻 I learned the hard way that effective leaders embrace rest and self-care as a priority instead of something to be earned or begged for.

🪻 I learned the hard way that the same “rest and self-care” I observe others enjoying may not be the same that re-charges me. For example, you might find fun and adventure restful, but for me –enjoyable as it may be, it might drain me more than offer a chance for deep rest.

Effective leaders learn to trust their bodies and spirits when it comes to discovering the most meaningful ways to reset.

🪻 Finally, I learned the hard way that not everyone thinks I deserve to rest. The audacity, right? Who am I, a relatively young woman – a Black one at that – to enjoy spa days, leisurable walks on the beach, sitting in my lounge chair with a good book and my cat, and fine dining experience with the best views or lovely music?

Sometimes the “Powers That Be” want to see us work ourselves to the bone. But when the world needs our gifts and when we want to pour into our communities – we’ve got to have something to pour from.

✅ So, make self-care a priority. Center your wellness and health.

✅ Let them call you bougie or spoiled, because they can never call you tired or joyless.

✅ Don’t let anyone shame you for what brings you joy.

✅ As they say, rest is revolutionary and a form of resistance. Reject overwork and replace it with smarter work. Find what brings you joy and add more of it into your life.

Eventually you’ll 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺… and from my perspective; this is the epitome of freedom.

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🪻 With 20+ years in organization development and overseeing learning strategy, I welcome opportunities to develop leaders, teach, and serve as a keynote speaker.

DM me, I’d love to connect with you 💕