Rest, Rejuvenation, and the Wisdom of Letting Things Breathe: My Fall/Winter Pause

I made a conscious decision this year not to plant in my garden for the fall and winter. I have to admit, I was torn about it at first, I felt as if I was not being true to my purpose. I wondered if I REALLY could just NOT have a garden —after all, there’s always the drive to “do” rather than “rest”.

I sat with the decision in prayer, I thought about how my plants had (or had not) grown over the spring and summer and even into the fall. I thought about how drained and depleted I felt at times gardening over the summer as I battled pests and navigated storms and extreme heat. I thought about how I just need a break.

Then, I realized that this choice is about so much more than simply skipping a season of planting. It’s about giving my raised garden beds the space to rejuvenate, allowing the soil to replenish, and, at the same time, giving myself permission to rest and recharge. The correlation between what happens in our gardens and the garden of our lives always makes me pause. My own need for rest and my garden's need for downtime got me ruminating on the importance of rest in all areas of our lives.

The Garden Needs Rest, and So Do We

Just like the soil in my raised garden beds, we need moments of rest to regain our nutrients, our energy, and our balance. When a garden is overworked season after season, without time to recuperate, the soil becomes depleted, and the plants struggle to thrive. Similarly, when we push ourselves relentlessly without taking time to pause, we end up feeling drained, fatigued, and out of alignment with ourselves. It’s easy to get caught in the cycle of productivity, thinking that if we stop, we’ll fall behind. But sometimes, not doing is the most powerful form of self-care.

I have two 30” raised beds and because they are so high from the ground, my garden beds do not benefit as much from the ecosystem at ground level. I have to introduce earthworms, organic matter and nutrients to replenish the soil. When you plant closer to the ground, the trees, plants and organisms around the soil can nourish your bed. It took me a couple of seasons to figure out why my crops did not produce as abundantly as they had when my raised beds were 10” high from the ground. And in this season of reflection, my garden (and me) needs a break.

So what will I do, you might ask? I will add compost and fertilizer to the soil. I will let the leaves collect and break down. I will let the soil soak in the nutrients and I will give the soil a break. In the spring, I'll start planting again. Will I miss gardening? I am sure I will, but I do have 50 million houseplants that can feed my planting desires for a few months...lol.

Just as my garden will benefit from a season of stillness, our minds and bodies need that space to recover too. I am thinking of this pause as an act of replenishing my personal “soil.” It’s during these moments of quiet that we grow our roots deeper, nurture our inner reserves, and prepare ourselves to bloom more vibrantly in the future. I am still growing the garden of ME.

Travel as a Form of Rest

One of the best ways I’ve found to nurture myself during these periods of rest is through travel. Travel allows us to step away from the familiar routines and responsibilities that often contribute to our fatigue. It gives us permission to slow down, reflect, and reset—much like letting a garden bed rest in the off-season.

When we travel, we’re not just escaping—we’re gaining perspective. New environments, new cultures, and even new foods invite us to step out of the daily grind and engage in life with a fresh sense of curiosity. Whether it’s lounging in a Moroccan riad, exploring the serene beauty of the Portuguese countryside, or soaking in the tropical bliss of Belize, travel helps us disconnect from the rush and reconnect with ourselves.

Why You Deserve a Grown Ass Mama Tour

This is where a Grown Ass Mama Tour comes in. Imagine an all-inclusive luxury retreat that’s designed not just for travel, but for transformation. Think about it: a break that doesn’t just give you time off but restores you in mind, body, and spirit. Our trips are carefully curated to offer a balance of exploration, relaxation, and community, making it the perfect way to recharge.

When was the last time you really took a moment to focus on you—not as a mom, not as a worker, but as a woman deserving of care and attention?

On a Grown Ass Mama wellness experience, you’ll be surrounded by a tribe of like-minded women, all taking that well-earned time to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate. Our trips aren’t just about the destination—they’re about the journey back to yourself. We take care of everything, from exquisite accommodations to curated wellness experiences, to private chefs that will prepare foods to nourish your soul...so all you need to do is show up and unwind.

A Gift to Yourself

Just as my garden beds will flourish in the spring after their winter rest, you too will find yourself flourishing after taking a moment to step away. Whether you choose Morocco in April, Belize in May, or Portugal in November, these trips are designed with your well-being in mind. They’re a reminder that rest is productive—that by pausing, we actually create space for growth, joy, and renewal.

So why wait? You deserve the gift of rest. Let this season be your time to rejuvenate, just as Mama Earth does when it’s left to rest. Come and take a break with me... book your spot on a Grown Ass Mama Tour and experience the kind of rest that nourishes your soul and prepares you to bloom again.

Remember, it’s not just about where you go—it’s about how you return.