The Spiritual Discipline of Rest | Reminders to Small Business Owners
The Spiritual Discipline of Rest | In 2025, the standards for small business professionals, business owners, makers, and artisans are higher than ever. The introduction of social media and it’s demands for high value content generation seem impossible to keep up with.
As a small business owner, artisan, and Millennial female, I feel the constant pressure to: attract new clients, manage projects, produce quality products, budget appropriately, professionally photograph products, edit, upload, and ideate content that will be accepted. It can feel never ending..because it is. After receiving my Master’s degree in Marketing and working for a local agency in Tampa, Florida, I am keenly aware that most companies hire or outsource these vast responsibilities, just to keep up.
So, as small business owners, how do we give ourselves permission to rest, especially when paying our bills relies solely on us?
I’m no guru! I’m still working on this one myself. But here’s a three basic and friendly reminders from your friend Sarah, at Mon Petit.
Your value is not in what you produce.
The small business grind easily suffocate you. Set your priorities and show up Monday-Friday. On the weekend, make time to hit reset. Spend time with people, in places, that refresh your soul. As a Christian, I believe that my value rests in who’s I am not, not what I produce. You must determine when to turn work off and then actually walk away from it. You are NOT your work.
Remember: Your value is your soul, not your success, craft, or what you produce.
2. You must give yourself permission to rest.
No one on their death bed wishes they had spent more time at the office. Set boundaries and stick to them. Make sure you invest in your mental, spiritual, and physical health. Find a hobby that gives you joy. Exercise regularly, drink water, and eat foods that provide nourishment. These easy things help us regulate the stress and anxiety that comes with running a business. The greatest thing I ever did was return to church (Grace Family Church in South Tampa) and build my relationship with Christ - within a strong community of wise friends speaking life into me.
Remember: The discipline of rest is spiritual. You were created to enjoy rest.
3. Embrace opportunities to be inspired.
Getting outside of your normal weekly routine is essential to promote abstract thinking, creativity, and a sense of freedom. It’s called “The Cathedral Effect”. One of my favorite places to visit in Florida is Weeki Wachee Springs. I’m always inspired by the colors, calm current, and sounds of nature. They refresh my soul and inspire my creativity.
Remember: Find places and situations that usher space for your imagination.
THANKS FOR READING
Resources: Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun (link below to purchase)
