A personal reminder that rest isn’t weak — it’s wise.

This past weekend, I was humbled—big time.

I coach others through all kinds of growth and transformation. I tend to attract bold, purpose-driven humans—folks who won’t compromise on meaning, contribution, or alignment within themselves or the world around them.

And yet, there I was: in a moment of total misalignment.

I’m in what I affectionately call my “silly season”—that sweet spot (okay, sometimes chaotic spot) where I’m doing a good deal of client work that I absolutely love with leaders and teams. Fueled by momentum, I convinced myself that the weekend would need to be “productive.” I had to get ahead. So, of course, I decided to work through it.

Enter stage left: my old buddy, the Hyper-Achiever Saboteur. Oh hello there! High fives! High kicks! I recognize you instantly—shiny, persistent, and ever-so-convincing.

Here’s where it gets interesting. I’ve been deepening my somatic awareness lately—thanks in part to some treasured members of my Personal Board of Directors and some choice learning that helps me serve my clients more wholly.

So, I walk into my office Saturday, settle into my chair, cozy clothes on, and my stomach lurches. I pause. “What are you trying to tell me?” I ask.

A slow, anxious drop rolls through me.

Then my head—logical, determined, classic overachiever—pipes up: “Push on! It’ll only take a few hours. Let’s just see how far you get!”

My stomach flips again.

There it was. A clear message from my body. But my head? Fully disconnected.

I wasn’t listening. I was bypassing the signal. And that, right there—that moment of noticing—is the magic.

Why? Because I had a choice. Listen to the message, or deny it. If I ignored it, I’d burn through my energy reserves and show up depleted—for myself, for my loved ones, and for my clients.

My opportunity: pause, tune in, trust my body’s wisdom, and let it lead.

Now, some of you might be thinking, “She’s gone bonkers.”

I say: I’ve gone the right kind of bonkers that makes me a better human—more grounded, more joyful, more in service. And I owe that to myself and to the brilliant humans who invest their trust in me.

This isn’t new intel. We’ve been talking about the mind-body connection for years. But here’s the nudge: when something feels hard, it might be harder than it needs to be. And that’s often a cue to stop, ask, and really listen.

Your body might lead you to do something that seems counter to “productivity”—and in doing so, it’ll offer the very bridge you need. Not just to get more done, but to do it with greater clarity, deeper alignment, more fulfillment, and actual joy.

So, next time you find yourself pushing through, here’s a question to try:

What is my body trying to say right now?

Your brain might resist. That’s its job. But your body? It’s a wise and trusted companion—if only you let it speak.

P.S. As I write this, I’m buzzing with energy and clarity. Look out, world. I’m back in alignment—because I paused, I listened, and I honored what I needed.