Rested and Ready
I went on the search for something real
Traded what I know for how I feel
But the ceiling and the walls collapsed
Upon the darkness I was trapped
And as the last of breath was drawn from me
Light broke in and brought me to my feet
Those of you who have been around here a little while will know that my heart carries a big love for The Avett Brothers. These fellow North Carolinians write and perform music that I suppose we could call bluegrass or Americana, with the occasional Rick Rubin-infused edge and consistent tender, poetic lyrics.
Sugar and her boyfriend, summer 2012, by the Yellowstone River. These two heard lots of The Avett Brothers that summer.
We in the Avett Family - an assemblage of the type of super fans that I never imagined myself being but here we are and I’m 100% ok with it - have a soft spot for a particular date. The band’s song, “February Seven,” appeared on their 2012 album The Carpenter. My after-work routine for several months that year was to pick up Sugar at Aunt Grandma and Uncle Grandpa’s, head home, start spinning The Carpenter, and play with my then two-year-old puppy while settling into chill time. If you need a soundtrack for shaking off your work day, I highly recommend this one.
The song’s refrain, “I’m rested and I’m ready to begin,” makes a great mantra for starting a new year.
In our fast-paced lives, the importance of rest often takes a back seat to all the other demands on our time. Research consistently shows that a lack of adequate rest can lead to decreased cognitive function, impaired decision-making, and increased stress levels. The myth of constant productivity overlooks the fact that true efficiency and creativity often stem from a well-rested mind. Understanding and acknowledging the value of rest is crucial for maintaining overall well-being and being our best.
This season, take some time to unplug from the bustle. Turn off the tv, light a candle, make a cup of tea. (Subscribers got some Embrew Tea in their subscriptions this month, btw.) Maybe even jot a quick note - just don’t overdo it. :)