The Right to Rest

Why Giving Ourselves Space to Heal is Essential

“The Right to Rest and leisure is the economic, social and cultural right to adequate time away from work and other societal responsibilities.” Source: Wikipedia

Welcome to Janine’s Journal Jam. An offering of journal prompts and the stories that spark them. May they inspire you to jam with your journal!

Read Here about why journaling is such an integral part of my life.

Coloring is a lovely way to Rest!

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In January, I went to urgent care with severe pain in my upper abdomen. During the ultrasound, I was told that I had a 9mm gallstone in my gallbladder. During the explanation of my gastritis diagnosis, I found out that I had gallstones since 2021 when I was diagnosed with colitis.

I’ve had lifelong food allergies that I figured were the main causes of my gut pain, gastro issues, and inability to eat dairy or gluten.

Fast forward to March and I realized how often I have pain on my right side shooting into my back.

I scheduled surgery to remove my gallbladder.

I hadn’t been feeling well for months. In addition to the stomach upset and pain, I felt fatigued.

But I kept pushing.

I thought to myself: I have a business to grow. My mom needs my care. The house is a mess. What about Easter dinner that I always host?

The week before surgery, I cleaned the house, sent out my newsletter, and decided to order food for Easter dinner.

My theme for April was clearing out to prepare for what to bring in and grow.

On a physical level, I planned to literally clear out my gallbladder to better nourish myself so energy could grow.

Then I went further and asked myself:

• What do I truly need during this time to heal?

• How can I show love and grace to myself?

• Who will support me?

• What does my body, spirit, and mind need?

• How can I truly Rest–energetically, physically, mentally?

Using my journal as that contemplative Pause Place, I realized I needed to clear out all work for two weeks. That meant writing, teaching, energy healing, planning, obligations, business admin work.

I even postponed an online event during the third week just to give me space to BE in healing.

It felt right.

The weekend before surgery, I prepared foods that would comfort and nourish me.

(I’ll write about this soon, but I’m currently on an elimination diet and gut healing protocol with a Functional Neurologist.)

I gave myself permission to Rest. To let everything be as it is.

To come to my surgery with love and ease, knowing this was the right step for my highest and best good.

My surgery was on Monday, April 7.

Four incisions in my abdomen.

In addition to the 9mm boulder, I had a benign cyst. There was extensive scar tissue, an indication that I had been passing gallstones for a while.

My surgeon gave me five days off from work.

During that week:

• I slept.

• I colored and drew on my IPad.

• I slept.

• I watched The Americas on Peacock–an incredible series on wildlife and nature in North and South America.

• I slept.

• I read and listened to audiobooks.

• I was nourished.

• I Rested.

• I listened to my body.

My husband took care of me, my sister was my on-call nurse, and my mom phoned to check in. My son and his fiancé were my chauffeurs.

By Sunday, I was able to go on walks, but I was still very tired. I had to eat small meals because of discomfort and bloating. My husband took me to see my sister and love surrounded me.

I felt cared for.

Last week, I was still tired. I did some work, ate well, and went to bed early. I appreciate and understand that a flexible non-physical job is a privilege. It’s also a job that if I don’t work, I don’t get paid.

I’m grateful I could take this time to Rest.

It’s been two weeks. I have the brain power to write. That surgery took a lot out of me and that’s OK.

Easter was lovely being surrounded by family and even in the midst of celebration, there was Rest.

I’m still healing, listening to how I feel. This down time taught me to Respect the Right that I, and everyone, has to Rest.

Giving myself that space to heal showed Self-Love, how to Love Myself Like Never Before.

Everyone heals in their own time and way.

Only you know when you are healed.

You deserve Rest.

Some resources that have supported my Rest are:

Tricia Hersey who wrote Rest is Resistance and established The Nap Ministry.

The CyberSangha Podcast featuring Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche: April 9, 2025 episode titled Embracing Exhaustion, Cultivating Resting with Awareness

If you have an upcoming surgery or illness that Rest would support, feel free to ask yourself the questions I asked myself:

• What do you truly need during this time to heal?

• How can you show love and grace to yourself?

• Who will support you?

• What does your body, spirit, and mind need?

• How can you truly Rest–energetically, physically, mentally?

In general:

• How do you give yourself the Right to Rest?

• What does Rest look and feel like?

• What gets in the way?

• How can that be addressed for the time needed?

I know that if I keep pushing, trying to be productive, it gets worse.

• You are meant to be in flow, not pushing.

• Rest and ease your body into what feels right.

Eat what nourishes and check in at different times of the day with your journal:

• Does this feel right in my body, soul, and on my heart?

• Am I flowing along the Lake of Self-Love?

• How can I shower Love over myself today?

• What space am I leaving for stillness?

• What am I releasing in order to Rest?

• How am I showing up for myself?

We’re worthy of healing.

Rest is our Right.

Let’s Connect: Always happy to hear from you. Feel free to share stories or how this resonates. All thoughts are welcome!

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