Why I chose it?
I was listening to a podcast that Trisha Hersey was as guest on and immediately wanted to hear more about her story, so I downloaded her book.
As a kid, I heard my parents say to work and play hard and that rest was for retirement or, worse, when we were dead. I left retail management because I was exhausted and wanted more freedom and flexibility. Yet, when I became an entrepreneur over sixteen years ago, the same pattern of working hard kept showing up. I even would feel guilty taking a lunch break or resting my eyes in the middle of the day.
I had to work, finish things, and check them off my list. Otherwise, I felt this needed to accomplish more. Over the years, I’ve looked to figure out how to balance everything I do as a business owner, mother, wife, and volunteer. I’ve tried hard to put all I do through the lens of, how can I do this with ease and simplicity? Allowing myself space for the ebb and flow each day and trusting my intuition and that my body knew best.
One of Trisha’s messages says, “I know that if I never check another item off my to-do list, I am still worthy and loved by God and my ancestors.” That message hit me hard. I’m worthy as I am; I don’t have to prove my worthiness.
I’m so excited to host this conversation and learn how to stop the hustle and grind and learn to rest more.
Summary:
Far too many of us have claimed productivity as the cornerstone of success. Brainwashed by capitalism, we subject our bodies and minds to work at an unrealistic, damaging, and machine‑level pace of work –– feeding into the same engine that enslaved millions into brutal labor for its virtuous benefit. Our worth does not reside in how much we produce, especially for a system that exploits and dehumanizes us. Rest, in its simplest form, becomes an act of resistance and a reclaiming of power because it disrupts and pushes back against capitalism and white supremacy.
From the founder and creator of The Nap Ministry, Rest Is Resistance is a battle cry, a guidebook, a map for a movement, and a field guide for the weary and hopeful. It is rooted in spiritual energy and centered in Black liberation, womanism, somatics, and Afrofuturism. With captivating storytelling and practical advice, all delivered in Hersey’s lyrical voice and informed by her deep experience in theology, activism, and performance art, Rest Is Resistance is a call to action and manifesto for those who are sleep deprived, searching for justice, and longing to be liberated from the oppressive grip of Grind Culture.
Darlene Hawley is a speaker, podcast host, business coach, and communication expert who shows ambitious, heart-centered entrepreneurs and rising business leaders how to speak up, stand out, and make more impact.
Her genius is twofold. Darlene shows entrepreneurs 2+ years into their business how to deepen their business foundation and go after visibility so they can share their message with the world, attract dream clients, and have the impact, freedom, and flexibility they desire.
Plus, she supports organizational leaders and their teams to strengthen their inner and outer voice so that they can speak up for themselves and the ideas and issues that matter most and move people to take action whenever they speak.
You can connect with Darlene and learn more about her speaking and coaching at darlenehawley.com.
