One Book That Changed Everything for Me
Last November, I read a book calledThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry— highly recommend.
It put words to something I think so many of us feel: our culture lives in a constant state of go-go-go, always rushing to get to the next thing as fast as possible.
But here’s the paradox of hurry:we think rushing will help us get where we want to go faster, when in reality, it often does the opposite.
It makes us more stressed, more exhausted, and often less present in the areas that matter most. And instead of helping us reach our goals quicker, it can actually slow us down.
That’s when I had to pause and take an honest look at my own life.
I thought,Yep… I’m hurrying.
So I started doing one practice that has changed so much for me — personally and professionally.
I started taking a Sabbath.
One day each week of intentional rest. No work. No phone. No social media. Just space to slow down, rest, reconnect with God, and be present with the people I love.
I now approach that day with this mindset: if it doesn’t bring me closer to my faith, my loved ones, or true rest, it’s not happening (yes, you can still be active -- I love starting my day out hiking with my dog on those days like my picture below).
And wow — it has been one of the biggest game changers in my life.
I genuinely look forward to my Sabbath every week. It’s helped interrupt that constant pressure to make every waking hour productive.
And the impact has been real.
I’ve been more present with my clients.
I’ve had more energy and excitement going into the week.
And maybe most importantly, it’s challenged my tendency to live self-reliantly — reminding me that God is in control, not me.
It’s been a massive blessing in my life.
What I think
We live in a world where more is better, faster is still too slow, and actually enjoying the present moment can feel like a far-fetched fantasy.
But just because our culture operates that way doesn’t mean we have to.
A lot of the time, that way of living is actually driven by fear.
“If I don’t do more, I’ll run out.”
“If I don’t get this done as quickly as possible, I’ll lose clients, money, opportunities…”
“I don’t have time to enjoy today — I’m too busy.”
At the root of it, so much of that is fear.
When you really pause and heart-check yourself, you have to ask:
Am I doing all of this because I’m afraid to lose what I have?
If we’re honest, a lot of the time the answer is yes.
And that’s where faith comes in.
Because if you are fully reliant on yourself, you will have to live in a constant state of striving, controlling, and hurrying.
But as believers, we are not called to live in self-reliant, control-freak mode.
We’re called to have faith.
That doesn’t mean do nothing.
It doesn’t mean avoid responsibility.
But itdoesmean structuring your week and your life in a way that reminds your heart who is actually in control.
That’s what Sabbath has done for me.
It has helped put my mind and heart back in the right place.
It has allowed me to truly rest and recharge.
And it has helped me be more present with the people, moments, and life God has given me.
From one go-getter to another — it may seem contradictory, but learning to rest in this way may be one of the greatest superpowers you can give your goals, your peace, and your faith.
The one degree shift
Practice a Sabbath this week.
It doesn’t have to be on a Saturday or Sunday — just give yourself one full day with no work, no social media, and full presence.
Give yourself the rest you need.
Then notice what changes in your mind, your energy, and your excitement heading into the week.
Want to learn more?
Last week, I released an episode all about reverse dieting — what it is, why so many women stay stuck underfueling, and how to strategically increase your intake to better support your body and your goals.
If nutrition feels confusing, you’re unsure how much your body actually needs, or reverse dieting is a new concept to you, this episode is for you.
