Nine years ago, an email changed my life forever. As a result, I went through a long period that was heavy. I was looking after a parent whose health was declining. And when she passed away nearly four years later, I did what a lot of people do. I threw myself into work. With the best intentions, mine and everyone else’s. But grief does not wait. And the work kept growing.

And every time I came back from a holiday during that period, the first few days felt slow. I always said “I’m just a bit rusty after the holidays.” And it felt like that too.

When I finally stepped back properly, it took months before I felt my feet on the ground again. I travelled to Colombia. I rested. I cleared the cobwebs, internally and externally. And slowly, something settled.

Then, nearly four months later, I delivered my first session back.

Nothing. No rustiness at all. Just joy!

And that is when I understood. The rustiness was never about the skills. It was exhaustion. Every single time. The skills were always there. I was just finally rested enough to feel and enjoy them.

That is when the last bit of insecurity about my skills evaporated. I was just tired. I can actually do this. Any time. Anywhere.

What would you discover about yourself if you finally gave yourself enough rest?