Learning to Rest: Faith, Boundaries, and Emotional Well-Being - Ms. Otelia's Corner

We live in a world that praises busyness. The longer our to-do lists, the more productive we are supposed to feel. Yet deep down, many of us know that constant motion is draining. Rest is not laziness—it’s survival. It’s spiritual renewal. It’s how we reconnect with ourselves and with God.

Rest as a Gift, Not a Burden

Scripture reminds us that even God rested on the seventh day. If rest was built into creation, why do we treat it as something optional? Rest is a gift, not a burden. When we allow ourselves to slow down, we give our minds and hearts space to breathe. We also give God room to speak to us in the quiet.

The Role of Boundaries

One of the biggest barriers to true rest is the inability to set boundaries. Saying yes when we want to say no, stretching ourselves too thin, or carrying other people’s burdens without pause eventually leaves us empty. Healthy boundaries are a form of self-care. They protect our peace, our health, and our faith.

If someone becomes upset when you draw a line, that doesn’t mean you’re wrong for setting it. Boundaries are not walls; they are guardrails that keep us on the path God intended for us.

Rest for the Mind, Body, and Spirit

Rest looks different for everyone. For some, it’s a quiet walk in nature. For others, it’s prayer, journaling, or worship. Rest might be taking a nap, turning off your phone, or simply breathing deeply for a few minutes. What matters most is being intentional.

Ask yourself: What practices leave me refreshed and renewed? Then make them non-negotiable in your life. Just like you schedule meetings and responsibilities, schedule your rest.

Carrying Rest Into Everyday Life

Rest is not only for weekends or vacations. We need daily pauses—small moments that remind us we are more than our productivity. Maybe that’s drinking a cup of tea slowly, stepping outside to feel the sun on your face, or reading a devotional before bed. These simple practices can shift our emotional well-being and strengthen our faith walk.

A Gentle Reminder

You are not defined by how much you do, but by who you are. Taking time to rest doesn’t make you less—it makes you whole. Let this season be one where you give yourself permission to pause, listen, and lean into God’s peace.

How do you make space for rest in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to learn from you.

Lessons in Strength: What We Can Learn from Claudette Colvin’s Courage

History often remembers certain names, but behind them are others whose bravery paved the way. Before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus, a 15-year-old girl named Claudette Colvin had already done the same thing. Her story reminds us that courage doesn’t always come with recognition — but it always makes a difference.

1. Standing Firm, Even When Alone

In March 1955, Claudette Colvin was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger. She was only 15 years old. At an age when most teens are thinking about school and friends, she showed a kind of strength that challenged an unjust system.

2. Young Voices Carry Power

Claudette’s story reminds us that change doesn’t always come from leaders with titles — sometimes it starts with young people willing to say, “This isn’t right.” Her act was a spark that added momentum to the civil rights movement.

3. Recognition Isn’t the Point

Claudette didn’t become the face of the bus boycott, partly because of her age and circumstances. But her courage wasn’t wasted. It shows us that even if our actions aren’t celebrated, they can still ripple outward and inspire others.

4. Everyday Courage Matters Today

We may not be facing the exact battles Claudette did, but we all have moments when we can choose to stay silent or stand firm. Whether it’s speaking up at work, protecting someone being treated unfairly, or simply living by our values — those choices matter.

Claudette Colvin’s story teaches us that courage has no age limit and doesn’t always come with applause. What matters most is standing firm when it counts.

Remembering September 11: Reflections on Resilience and Unity

September 11, 2001, is a day that changed the course of history. For those who lived through it, the memories remain vivid — where we were, what we felt, and how the world seemed to shift in an instant. As we pause to remember, it’s important not only to honor the lives lost but also to reflect on the resilience and unity

that emerged in the face of tragedy.

Honoring Lives Lost

Thousands of innocent people — mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends, and colleagues — never returned home that day. Remembering them is not only about their final moments, but about the lives they lived, the love they shared, and the impact they left behind.

The Power of Unity

In the aftermath, communities across the country — and around the world — came together in ways that transcended differences. Strangers offered support, neighbors checked in on one another, and countless acts of kindness reminded us of the power of human connection.

Lessons for Today

Though more than two decades have passed, the lessons remain relevant. We are reminded that life is fragile, that unity matters, and that compassion can be a powerful force for healing. In moments of division, remembering how we stood together after September 11 can guide us forward.

Today, as we reflect on September 11, may we carry forward the spirit of resilience and unity. Let us honor the lives lost not just with silence and remembrance, but by living with greater kindness, empathy, and strength each day.

Why Morning Routines Set the Tone for Your Entire Day - Ms Otelia's Corner

There’s something powerful about how we begin our mornings. Before emails, phone calls, or daily stress kick in, we have a window of time that can shape how the rest of the day unfolds. A morning routine doesn’t have to be complicated — but having one can bring focus, peace, and purpose.

1. Less Stress, More Control

Starting the day in a rush sets a tone of chaos. When you have even a simple routine — like 10 minutes of quiet, stretching, or journaling — it signals to your brain that you’re in control of your time. That calm carries into the rest of the day.

2. Small Habits Add Up

Morning routines don’t have to look like the ones you see on Instagram. You don’t need a two-hour workout, green juice, and meditation by sunrise. Even something small — like making your bed, sipping water before coffee, or writing a gratitude note — builds consistency. Over time, small habits shape big results.

3. Energy and Focus Boost

When you choose intentional actions in the morning (instead of grabbing your phone and scrolling), you start with clarity. A few deep breaths, a short walk, or reviewing your to-do list can help you feel less scattered and more focused.

4. A Routine That Fits You

The “perfect” morning routine is the one you’ll actually stick to. For some, that’s prayer or meditation; for others, it’s coffee on the porch. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s building a rhythm that supports your life.

A morning routine is less about strict schedules and more about setting an intention for your day. Whether it’s five minutes or thirty, creating a morning ritual that works for you can make the difference between feeling reactive and feeling ready.

How Vacations Can Transform Relationships Between Couples - Travels with my Sweetie - Ms. Otelia's Corner

Vacations have a way of shifting everything in a relationship. The moment I close the door behind me, suitcase in hand, I feel the daily routine start to fall away. Suddenly, it’s not about work emails, bills, or cooking dinner tonight—it’s about being present with each other. That’s where the magic begins.

At home, it’s so easy to slip into the rhythm of being co-managers of life. Schedules, chores, responsibilities—sometimes it feels like everything but us comes first. But on vacation, that changes. Instead of running errands, we’re deciding if we want to walk along the beach or sit down for dessert we don’t really need. Those little shifts remind me how much joy there is in simply being together.

Travel also shows me things about my partner I don’t always see in our day-to-day life. Maybe it’s how calm he stays when we’re running late, or how he somehow figures out directions when I’d be completely lost. Those moments make me pause and appreciate him in a different way. It’s like seeing a new layer of the person I thought I already knew so well.

The Short Rib Story

On our recent vacation, we had been walking past this one restaurant and finally decided to go inside. That decision turned out to be unforgettable. We ordered the short ribs drizzled with red wine gravy, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. They were perfect—I mean pure perfection—tender, rich, and full of flavor.

The next morning, we couldn’t stop talking about them. All day we planned to go back, just to relive that meal together. But when we showed up, the place was closed and would not reopen until the following evening. Sadly, we were leaving in the morning.

We were disappointed, of course, but even that became part of the story of our vacation. We’re still laughing about it. That meal—and missing out on it the second time—ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.

Making Time to Simply Be

Being away gave us space to slow down and enjoy each other in ways we don’t always make time for at home. We sat up late talking without worrying about an alarm clock and just let ourselves be. Those quiet, simple moments felt just as important as a big adventure.

What I love most is how vacations create memories we carry home with us. They become part of our story, little pieces we can pull out when life gets heavy. Whether it’s laughing about those elusive short ribs or remembering the view from a spot we found by accident, these shared experiences hold us closer.

Even the Bumps Count

Of course, not everything goes smoothly. Plans fall through, things go wrong, patience runs thin. You have a connecting flight in Miami which is a whole other story, or have to figure out how to make the best of a detour. But how we handle those bumps matters just as much as the fun. Turning frustration into a story we’ll laugh about later makes us stronger as a team.

Vacations don’t solve every problem, but they do give couples a chance to reconnect in ways that everyday life doesn’t always allow. For me, the best part isn’t the destination—it’s the reminder of what we mean to each other. And sometimes, even the meals you miss out on can become part of the sweetest memories.

Do you have a vacation story that changed the way you and your partner see each other, or created a memory you’ll never forget? I’d love to hear it.

Welcome!