Even Machines Rest , Why Not You?

I heard two horrific stories yesterday that prompted me to think about this thing called HUSTLE.

We live in a world that glorifies HUSTLE.

Everywhere you turn, it’s Hustle o, make hunger no kill you and your generation.

But let’s be real, hustle is the reason many people died in their prime.

Because in a world that worships productivity, celebrates busyness like it’s a badge of honour, and tells us to always do more, rest has become a radical act.

We’ve been conditioned to believe that stopping is weakness.
That rest is something we earn after we’ve hustled hard enough.
That exhaustion is just part of success.

But here’s the truth:

Hustle culture isn’t sustainable.
It pulls us out of our bodies, out of presence, out of peace.
It leaves us performing and pushing — often at the expense of our physical, mental, and emotional health.

Our brains need downtime.
Our bodies need recovery.
Our hearts need softness.

I’ve heard people proudly say they’re doing a 9–5, then DoorDash after work, and Uber at midnight.

I know the mindset: the fear of being in a foreign land, trying to “make it.” The pressure to build a house back home, to “do well” so people can say you made it.

And then, for some of us, there’s Black Tax  carrying responsibilities that could drown you if you let them.

But hear me clearly:

Don’t set yourself on fire to keep others warm.
Everybody will be alright.

Rest Is Not a Luxury

Rest is not a luxury.
It’s not a reward.
It’s not something that comes after you’ve proven your worth.

It’s part of the rhythm of a well-lived life.

So please prioritize yourself.
Listen to your body, not just your to-do list.

Your body will whisper before it screams.
Don’t wait for burnout to make the call for you.

Dead people don’t build wealth.
Dead people don’t enjoy the fruits of their labour.

So rest brothers and sisters....
Not because you’ve earned it but because you deserve it.

I’ll write again.