Honoring Your Body in Times of Setback: Rest Is Not Weakness

Sometimes life forces us to slow down—and that’s not a failure, it’s an invitation.

This past week, I was reminded of that lesson in a very personal way when I was hit with another bout of vertigo. It began suddenly on Thursday, and for a few days, my body had only one thing on its agenda: rest. Napping throughout the day and managing just a short walk when I finally felt stable was all I could muster—and that had to be enough.

For someone who finds deep joy in movement—especially in dance—missing my Sunday class was especially hard. Dance is where I feel most alive, free, and connected. But this time, rest wasn’t optional. It was the most loving thing I could offer myself.

We often think that honoring our bodies means pushing them to grow stronger or faster—but sometimes, honoring our bodies means listening, slowing down, and giving them space to heal. Whether it’s illness, injury, or mental burnout, being “off track” is simply a season. It’s not the end of progress.

On days when a walk outdoors is all your body can handle, let it be enough. That kind of gentleness is a form of strength too.

One thing that helped me immensely was having a team I could rely on. My physical therapist answered a weekend text without hesitation and gave me tools I could use right away. My telemedicine doctor is also just a message away when I need advice or reassurance. This support system gives me peace of mind and accelerates the healing process—because I’m not navigating setbacks alone.

So, if you’re in a season where your body is calling for rest—honor it.
Trust that strength isn’t only built in the gym or the studio. It’s built in the quiet moments of self-compassion, when you choose to heal rather than hustle.

You are not falling behind. You’re laying the foundation for your next comeback.

If you’re going through something similar—physically or emotionally—and need support, I’d love to be part of your healing team. Whether it’s training, nutrition, or just someone to help you rebuild your strength at your pace, reach out. You don’t have to do it alone. 💚