Turning In: Why Rest and Softness Are the Ultimate Power Moves

For years, I believed that relentless ambition was the hallmark of success. “Work harder,” “sleep when you’re dead,” and “no days off” became my mantras as I climbed the ladder of "alleged success." I wore them like a badge of honor, pushing myself to do more, achieve more, and be more.

But here’s the plot twist: that so-called success came at a steep price. It led to the demise of my wellness, fractured the relationships I cherished most, and left me in an internal battle that made me question who the hell I was. I had reached the heights I thought would bring fulfillment, only to find myself depleted, disconnected, and lost.

What I’ve learned since then is this: The biggest flex isn’t in working harder; it’s in turning in. Choosing rest, softness, and wellness in a world that demands the opposite has been the most powerful and transformative decision of my life.

The Myth of Endless Strength

I’ve always been celebrated for my strength, but for too long, I allowed that narrative to overshadow the fullness of who I am. Strength is beautiful, but it is not all I am.

Softness is where my healing began. It gave me the space to feel, to pause, and to reconnect with myself. It reminded me that I don’t have to carry the weight of the world alone. I could let go, rest, and still be worthy.

Rest: My Most Radical Act Rest isn’t just restorative—it’s revolutionary. I’ve learned that when I rest, I reclaim my energy, my time, and my creativity. It’s in rest that I hear the whispers of my own intuition, the dreams I buried under the noise of endless striving. Rest has taught me that I am enough as I am, not because of what I do or achieve, but because I exist.

Turning In: My Practice in Soft Power Turning in has become my way of grounding myself. It’s how I realign with my truest self. For me, this means asking questions like: What do I need? What brings me peace? What can I release?

When I turn inward, I stop chasing validation from the outside world and embrace the fullness of who I am—flaws, softness, and all. Turning in is my declaration that I am worthy of care, even when I’m not producing, fixing, or leading.

Three Steps I Take to Embrace Rest and Softness

1. I Create Micro-Moments of Rest Rest doesn’t always mean a weekend retreat (though I’d love one!). For me, it’s often a 10-minute pause to sip tea, journal my thoughts, or just breathe deeply.
2. I Redefine Productivity I no longer define productivity solely by output. Rest is productive because it allows me to show up fully for what matters most. I’ve learned to prioritize quality over quantity.
3. I Set Boundaries Without Apology I protect my time and energy fiercely. Saying no to things that drain me and yes to what nurtures me has been a game-changer. Boundaries have become one of my deepest acts of self-care.

The Call to Turn In

Turning in hasn’t been easy but it was necessary for me to stay alive.

It has allowed me to unlearn years of conditioning and permit myself

to rest,

to be soft, and

to let go

of the pressure to always perform. It's been more than worth it on so many levels.

This journey has taught me that turning in isn’t a retreat from life; it’s a return to myself.

And in a world that tells us to always keep moving, that return feels like the most radical flex of all.

Power moves is what I am all about, cause they come with a generational impact.