Struggle to take time off? Here’s why

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I’ve been feeling some type of way this week…

…because I’m taking some time off.

I should be excited, thrilled even—

But instead, I’m facing a ton of resistance.

Why?

Because I don’t have a “good” reason to take time off.

I’m not going on vacation, I don’t have big plans...

I’m just doing it because, well, I can.

(and because, if we’re being honest, your girl is tired as hell.)

I know I’m not alone here.

I know you also struggle to take time off.

(hell, you probably even struggle to take small breaks during the day)

When you finally allow yourself to take the break you need, you likely feel a little guilty…

Because you “should” be working…doing...achieving

You didn’t really need that time off

There are so many “productive” or “care-giving” activities that you should be doing

The list goes on and on.

Let’s talk about why it’s so hard for us to sit our asses down.

Spoiler alert: it’s capitalism.

Capitalism teaches us from an early age that our worth & value as a human being lies exclusively in our ability to produce.

We are only as valuable as the amount of money we make…

...and as folks who were socialized as women, we are also simultaneously only as valuable as the amount of care-taking that we do.
(But don’t you dare ask for money for that!)

Capitalism teaches you that your work is your identity.

(Think about how quickly you ask someone what they “do” when you meet them.)

We’ve learned to define our self-worth based on what we accomplish...or don’t.

Lately, capitalism has even conned us into believing that our work should be our purpose.

It’s no wonder that you feel uncomfortable taking time off, because when we view ourselves through capitalism’s lens (which we always do), if we aren’t working then we are:

  • Worthless

  • Not providing value to the world & our families

  • Purposeless

  • Ignoring a big part of our identity

Damn, when you look at it that way, it’s no wonder we struggle to take time off.

But here's what I know.

You are NOT interested in working 24/7 or “doing it all.”

You know deep down that traditional “success” doesn’t lead to the happiness we’ve been promised —

—if you thought it did, you wouldn’t be reading this email.

You know that our ancestors worked hard so that we would have better lives & opportunities,

not so that we could work ourselves into the fucking ground as well.

You know the best way to honor your ancestors is to sit your ass down as much as possible,

because if they could have, they would have.

So, how do you do it?

  1. Notice when you’re resisting taking time off (even a 15-minute break) & mark it as internalized capitalism (no matter how “rational” it seems).

  2. Ask yourself, “What am I worried will happen if I take a break?” If you’re up for it, write it all down.

  3. Once you know what you’re worried about — make a mental note and mark it as unhelpful.
    Even if the thought is true/ feels true … it’s unhelpful if it stops you from resting/ taking care of yourself.

  4. Choose a more helpful thought that feels true for right now.

    Examples:
    It’s okay to rest. Resting doesn’t make me a slacker.
    I have more than enough time & energy to do what matters to me.
    I am whole. I am enough.
    I will do what I can today, and it is enough. My life is already beautiful.

  5. Rinse, wash, & repeat this process whenever your internalized capitalism pops up.

...without feeling guilty, like a failure, or just like you’re lazy as hell.

But I’ll be honest-

This ‘ish takes time.

It takes reinforcement.

And if you’ve got self-worth trauma or generational trauma that leads you to chase after traditional success…

… no amount of choosing new, helpful thoughts is going to help you, because there’s real ass trauma that needs to be resolved.

(and in case you didn’t know, as a person of color, you very likely have generational trauma around capitalism, because this entire system was built on our blood, sweat, & tears.)

Are you ready to rest guilt-free?

Are you ready to feel like you’re worth more than your work?

Are you ready to release the hold that internalized capitalism has on you?

If so, then we should talk about working together.

Through highly individualized coaching, I support women & femmes of color to rest, enjoy their lives, have more fun & joy…. without guilt, shame, and “shoulds” in the process.

Throughout our time working together, I show you the tools you need to overcome internalized capitalism, now and for the rest of your life.

Want to learn more? Click here to apply.

When you apply to work with me, we’ll uncover what is in your way of thriving right now- and what you need to overcome it.

This is an individualized process based on your unique situation (No templated shit here.)

So don’t sleep on this opportunity to get support, and finally claim the thriving life you’ve been dreaming of.

You ready? Apply here.

Gigi