This post is representative of my own permission to not write, to not post, to not do because I am tired, uninspired, and maybe the need to consider what comes next but not being in the emotional or mental state to do so in this very moment.

Deciding to not do is okay. It’s still a decision and making a decision is still taking an action.

Nothing is going to end or fail if I choose to not do and yet it can feel like that at times.

The challenge in choosing to not do something is to recognize it is as valid as choosing to do something, or take an action. When the decision to not do, doesn’t carry the same weight, it can easily become the start to a period of time that lacks momentum and ends in things like blame and shame, which makes it harder to return to the activities I am actively choosing to not do in this moment.

Thus, my decision to actively decide to not do and to write a post about it. To have this as a testament to the validity of that choice, is important. At least to me, in this moment.

Choosing to not do something at this time, is not the same as choosing to end the entire process. The intent is to choose to give myself a break and to have gentleness around that decision.

In fact, in this moment, it’s not the only thing I am choosing to give myself space around. There are some nagging directives rumbling about my brain in this moment to prepare for the next week; both in terms of tracking and organizing, as well as setting up a few things that make the start of my work week easier.

Both those things would help how I handle tomorrow and yet, tonight, I don’t have the energy for either and the choice is to move forward in a way that requires the least amount of energy right now.

I will use a back up lunch that requires no preparation. I will not write tonight (aside from this) and will spend my evening doing what my body, my mind, and my emotions need, which is to rest and to give myself the permission to not spend energy judging or blaming myself for this basic need. And thus, I have taken care of my needs in a very basic way.

If you struggle, like I do, to give yourself the permission to not do something, allow yourself to at the very least practice. Or even set up a habit to not do. Take a break. Give yourself grace. Treat yourself as you might a loved one who is having a rough moment, overtired, or just needing a rest.

There’s a discernable difference between choosing to push through, choosing to end something and giving yourself a break when needed. This is a valid choice. The struggle is taking a break and continuing to treat yourself as if you had not made the decision.