Just like everyone else, sometimes I really don’t feel like working on my projects. I just want to chill, enjoy the present moment, and do nothing “productive.” Do I feel guilty about it? Absolutely. But… why? Should I really feel this bad for taking some time for myself?
That’s exactly what I want to talk about in today’s Glow Note.
For the past week, I haven’t really worked on this blog (and believe me, I love working on it). I thought about it often, but I traveled back to France to spend time with my family. I had a great time—I laughed a lot, ate well, and soaked up every moment with my loved ones. It felt like I was recharging some inner battery I didn’t even know needed it. You know that feeling?
Still, even in the middle of all that happiness, there was this tiny voice whispering in the back of my mind: “You haven’t worked on your personal projects for X days now.”
Cue the negative self-talk and guilt trip.
But why does this happen? Why can’t we just allow ourselves to enjoy rest—especially when it’s so clearly needed? I don’t have a clear answer, but I feel like many of us have unconsciously wired our brains to equate rest with laziness. Society doesn’t help either. We’re raised with the idea that rest needs to be “earned,” that time off is indulgent or selfish, or that if you’re not constantly working toward something, you’re falling behind.
We live in a culture that praises hustle. You’re told that success takes hard work, sacrifice, and endless effort—and that if you’re not suffering at least a little, you’re probably doing it wrong. And we believe it. We carry that guilt with us even during our quiet moments.
But what if that wasn’t the only way?
What if success could happen with joy, not just through struggle? What if we could achieve our goals while listening to our energy, honoring our rhythms, and making room for rest—without apologizing for it?
Now, don’t get me wrong: I’m not saying we should sit back and expect things to magically happen. I’m just saying… maybe we don’t have to be miserable to make progress. Maybe we can take breaks and still build something amazing. Maybe we can find our own pace and still get to where we want to go.
Because here’s the truth: I’m not a full-time blogger making 10,000€ a month. I still have my regular 9-to-5 job. This blog isn’t even monetized yet. I started it simply because I wanted to—because I needed a space to express myself, experiment, and create something that feels like me.
I’m figuring things out as I go, and that’s okay. This is a work in progress, and so am I. Even when I don’t post for a few days or take time off, I still love this little project with my whole heart. I don’t have to be constantly hustling to prove it matters. Every step counts—even the slow, quiet ones.
And if you’re wondering whether I have some magical advice to help you stop feeling guilty for not being “productive” 24/7… I don’t. Not yet, at least. All I can offer is what I do in those moments: I take a deep breath and remind myself that it’s okay. That I’m okay. That I can’t give my best if I’m running on empty. So if I need rest, then that’s exactly what I should give myself.
And to you—yes, you, reading this right now—I just want to say: you’ve got this.
There’s no perfect timeline. Taking a different path from your neighbor doesn’t mean you’re lost. Trust your own journey. Believe in yourself. The Universe has your back, always. 💖
What about you, have you ever felt guilty for resting or taking a break from your projects? What helps you quiet that inner voice and embrace rest? Do you believe success has to come with struggle? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your story. 💬
