I quit my job with no backup plan. No next gig lined up. Nothing waiting in the pipeline.

I quit because I was tired—and maybe my brother, Papa, and partner were tired, too. Tired of hearing me cry, of watching me juggle law school and a full-time job like my life depended on it. (Because it kind of did.)

Don’t get me wrong—I’m incredibly grateful. These days, I no longer worry about work deadlines. My biggest dilemma now is deciding what time to hit the gym, head to Pilates, or go swimming for recovery. And honestly? For someone who’s been working her whole life—this is the dream.

It’s the kind of life I used to daydream about. The “princess treatment.” The breath of fresh air I didn’t know I needed.

But I want to be clear: I know this is a privilege.

I can take this break because I have a safety net—my family, my partner. I can rest because they are holding space for me to do so, emotionally and financially.

And I will always, always be thankful for that.

But I also know this isn’t a reality for everyone. So if you’re reading this, and you’re not in the same boat—I want to remind you of something important: you still deserve rest.

Even if it’s short. Even if it’s stolen in between classes, or squeezed into a hectic work week. Even if it’s imperfect.

You deserve to breathe.

Read that book you’ve been putting off.

Go for a run—or a walk, if that feels better.

Visit your hometown.

Book that flight if you can.

Do that one thing you’ve been meaning to do but keep postponing for “someday.”

And if you do have a support system behind you—whether it’s your parents, your partner, a friend who always checks in—I hope you stay grounded in gratitude. Because being able to rest shouldn’t be a luxury, but for many, it is.

So today, rest if you can.

Dream a little if you must.

And remember: you are allowed to take up space—not just to work, but to heal, to grow, and to breathe.