I HAD TO FIND MY PAUSE BUTTON.

Dear Readers,

Have you ever experienced those days where the mere thought of tackling your to-do list feels as daunting as climbing Mount Everest? Last week, I found myself in one of those dispositions. It was as if the universe conspired to drain every ounce of motivation from my being, leaving me drained and disinterested in even the simplest tasks.

The sensation was foreign yet familiar, a surge of fatigue that seemed to emanate from within. Despite having a long list of tasks awaiting my attention, I found myself unable to muster the energy to tackle them. It was not a great feeling, and guess what? it persisted throughout the week, casting a shadow over my usual enthusiasm.

Reflecting on this experience, I realized a crucial aspect of my lifestyle: the absence of a designated PAUSE BUTTON. My schedule operates on a relentless cycle, from one Monday to the next, with scarcely a moment to catch my breath. Even in my sleep my mind still wanders around the work left to do and how to go about doing it so even my dreams are like threads woven around deadlines and responsibilities.

In light of last week's revelations, I made a solemn decision: to grant myself the gift of a holiday—a reward for a great week!. This designated day serves as an opportunity to dial back the intensity, to slow down, and to simply be.

But a holiday isn't merely about idleness; it's about intentional rejuvenation. It's a chance to recalibrate and reconnect with the passions that drive us. In contemplating how best to utilize this newfound leisure, the notion of self-reward emerged as a beacon of possibility.

Why not treat ourselves to the simple pleasures we often overlook in the pursuit of productivity? Whether it's indulging in a favorite Netflix movie, savoring a leisurely stroll, or just taking a long nap, these acts of self-care serve as fuel for the soul, replenishing our reserves of enthusiasm and vitality.

For me, I know that this is going to take a lot to implement considering that I am a workaholic when I get into the work mood but I understand that it isn't just about hitting the pause button—it's about pressing reset. It's about nurturing a sustainable approach to productivity that honors my mind and flow of energy, recognizing that rest is not a luxury but a necessity.

So, dear readers, I invite you to join me in embracing the art of rest and rejuvenation. Let us carve out space in our lives for stillness and serenity, for it is in these moments of reprieve that we rediscover the joy in our pursuits.

Remember: Fatigue is real.

Agnes Onyekwere.