I’m a Leo—here’s how I’m finding rest this season

A pull quote from Mahogany Writing Community writer Shy Taylor that reads,

Being a woman with a dream is exhausting. We live in a world that’s obsessed with the rise and grind narrative, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably made “hustle” a way of life. If you know me, you know I am always on go. Period. 
 
If I’m not hosting an event and keeping the energy high, I’m behind a mic interviewing someone. If I’m not interviewing, I’m at the gym getting that pump. And even when my body is still, my brain is doing mental gymnastics. I’m literally always thinking of a master plan to take over the world.

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I love the thrill of ambition.  

There is a high that comes with achieving your goals and crossing things off that to-do list. I will grind, grind, grind until I can’t grind no more. That’s just how I’m wired.

Plus, let’s be for real, I’m a Leo…and we all know how charismatic Leos are. Being the main character is a full-time job with no days off. The spotlight is bright, the hair has to be laid and the vision has to be executed. But lately, I’ve had to pull myself over to the side of the road because ya girl needs rest. 

This season, I’ve been moving differently. I’m intentionally choosing to be present and, let me tell you, it’s a whole different kind of flex. The other night, I was hanging out with my circle, and we ended up playing a card game.

Usually, in those moments, my body is there but my mind is on next week’s meeting or drafting my next pitch. But this time? I was actually present. I was laughing while cards were being thrown, talking trash, having fun and just soaking in the vibes. For the first time in a long time, my brain wasn’t calculating the next goal or checking the clock. I was just in the “now,” creating a real, raw moment that wasn’t for social media or for my career. It was just for me.

That night, I slept like a baby.  

No tossing, no turning and no “master plan” anxiety. We have to stop looking at rest like it’s a sign of weakness. In reality, rest is a revolutionary act. When we refuse to stop, we aren’t being productive; we’re just being busy.

Burnout is not a vibe. It’s not cute to be so tired that your “main character” energy starts feeling like background noise. We have to realize that the grind is only sustainable if you’re actually being poured into. You cannot pour from an empty glass, babe. It’s impossible. 

True rest isn’t just about sleeping for twelve hours. It’s about choosing peace over performance. It’s about putting the phone on “Do Not Disturb” and not feeling guilty when you see the notifications stacking up.

As a Leo, I’ve realized that taking care of myself is the ultimate form of self-love. If I want to keep being the “it girl” in my own story, I have to protect my spirit. That means realizing that doing nothing is actually doing something very important: it’s preserving the asset. And the asset is me.  

So, to all my high-achievers and my always-on-go family: take a breath. The world isn’t going to stop spinning if you take a nap. Your throne will still be there when you wake up. Let’s make rest just as “main character” as the hustle. Stay ambitious, stay hungry, but stay rested.  

Now, I want to hear from y’all: When was the last time you were truly present in a moment without worrying about your next move? 

A portrait of Mahogany Writing Community contributing writer Shy Taylor.

Shy Taylor is a TV personality, host and correspondent seen on E!, VH1, REVOLT Black News and Baller Alert. Based in Los Angeles, she is a force to be reckoned with using her voice, presence and storytelling to inspire others to unlock their fullest potential.