You were taught to endure, to keep moving, working, and surviving. Even when it hurt or you had nothing left. But here’s the truth no one told you:

Rest is not weakness.

It is rebellion.

In a world that glorifies burnout, trauma silence, and pretending everything is fine, choosing to pause is powerful. Choosing to say, “I need a minute,” is a battle cry.

You are not lazy for resting. You are not broken or weak because you can’t carry it all today. You are not behind.

Even warriors lay down their weapons. Even healers need time to mend themselves.

Let yourself exhale. Let yourself be soft. Let yourself be with no need to prove anything.

Eden didn’t fall apart because she was weak. She fell apart because no one ever told her she was allowed to rest. No one ever told her that survival didn’t have to look like self-sacrifice. But you know now, and you get to choose differently. So, if your body is tired or your spirit feels heavy, choose rest because you're still going.

That’s not failure.

That’s how you rise.

—H. L. Rillon

With fire and charcoal.