The Rest & Play Journal
Life moves fast, and too often, we find ourselves caught in the current—juggling responsibilities, checking off to-do lists, and forgetting to pause long enough to breathe. But here, in this little corner of the internet, we slow down. We embrace the beauty of stillness, the freedom of play, and the deep soul refreshment that comes from true rest.
The R&P Journal is more than a blog—it’s a travel diary of sorts, chronicling the rhythms of rest and play in everyday life. It’s where stories unfold, reflections take root, and encouragement is always within reach. Whether it’s retreat highlights, musings on faith, words from friends, or simple moments of joy, you’ll find inspiration here to step away from the rush and into something richer, deeper, and more life-giving.
So take a deep breath. Grab your favorite cozy drink. And settle in—you’re right where you need to be.
Slow Mornings, Sacred Sips, and the Gift of Local Connection At Rest & Play 30A, we believe the way a morning begins matters. Before the conversations deepen, before the creative sessions unfold, before the day’s rhythm fully finds its pace – there is coffee. And it’s not always just the drink itself, but the moment […]
If you’ve ever looked at a women’s retreat and wondered, Is that really for me? — this post is for you! I’ve been where you are. Life is busy, your plate is full, and taking time away can feel selfish or impossible. But deep down, you also know you need a break — not the […]
There is something sacred about a table. Not just the wood and nails, or the meals spread across it, but the way it calls us together. Around a table, walls come down. Conversations start. Stories are shared. Sometimes laughter erupts, sometimes tears fall, and sometimes silence lingers a little longer than we expect. And in […]
When you start making low-tox swaps in your everyday life, skincare should be one of the first stops. Why? Because it’s an easy win. When you find clean, effective products that actually work—you’ve basically hit the “easy button” for healthy, glowing skin without the toxic chemicals. This swap takes on even more weight when you […]
I’ll be the first to admit—building and maintaining community is hard. It takes effort, intention, and sometimes even inconvenience. I still go through seasons where I barely see a friend, where getting out of the house without at least one kid feels impossible, and where the idea of hosting anything sounds overwhelming. But even in […]
A Retreat Like No Other For our Rest & Play retreats, finding accommodations that offer both spaciousness for rest and relaxation and the cozy charm of home is essential. 30A Beach Girls delivers on both fronts – offering stunning properties that feel luxurious yet inviting. Whether it’s a peaceful morning coffee on a private balcony, […]
Somewhere, it just sort of…sneaks up on us. Maybe it’s a gradual mindset shift that we experience through the years, but between responsibilities, schedules, and endless to-do lists, many of us (myself included!) forgot how to play. As kids, play was effortless, wasn’t it? It was how we explored, connected, and found joy. But as […]
Each new month brings a fresh opportunity to realign, refocus, and refresh. But too often, we carry the stress and clutter of the previous month with us—mentally, emotionally, and physically—without pausing to reset. Instead of stepping into the new month feeling frazzled and overwhelmed, let’s embrace rhythms that bring peace and clarity! Here’s a simple […]
**This blog post has been modified from a featured article in the 2024 issue of Rest & Play Magazine.This printing of R&P Magazine was exclusive to attendees and sponsors. My dear friend and Rest & Play alum Chloe Minyon never expected that standing in the chaos of burnout would lead her to one of the […]
Somewhere along the way, we started believing rest was a reward. Something we earned after a long week, a finished to-do list, or a season of overextending ourselves. And play? That became something for children—frivolous, unnecessary, a distraction from what’s “really important.” But what if we’ve been seeing it all wrong? What if rest and […]
