Teen Rest Retreats

Journal Entry - Day 2

 

I came on this retreat thinking rest just meant sleep or doing nothing. Turns out, it’s way more than that.

We explored different kinds of rest — physical, mental, emotional — and it made me realise how tired I am in ways sleep doesn’t fix. I’ve heard people talk about slowing down before, but I think I actually needed to be on a retreat like this to give it a real try. Only by experiencing it — not just hearing about it — do I actually feel connected to it and understand what my body and mind need.

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It’s been nice knowing Dad’s nearby but off doing his own thing. I feel safe, but also independent, with space to check in with myself and notice what’s really been going on for me lately.

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Slowing down didn’t make me lazy — it made me clearer. Giving myself permission to rest without guilt felt huge. I already know there are changes I want to bring into my routine when I get home, and I’d probably come again. I don’t want to wait until I feel like a robot running on empty before taking care of myself.

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This experience is changing how I see rest. It feels like refuelling. I can feel my batteries charging, supporting me with school, exams, and everything else. I’m learning my body isn’t something to push through — it’s something to work with.

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- JM