STRENGTH™ in Motion (SiM 09-28-2026)

1 day ago

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One pillar, One practice, and One week in motion

September 28th - October 4th

Connect with our Road Trip Coming to YOU

Welcome to our 09/28/2026 edition of STRENGTH™ in Motion, a weekly space where we will explore one STRENGTH™ pillar, one STRENGTH™ practice, share what is happening behind the scenes, & invite you into upcoming opportunities

One STRENGTH Pillar

Rest: Create rhythms the restore your mind, body, and spirit

Rest is the practice of giving ourselves permission to slow down, pause, and be restored. It is more than simply getting enough sleep or taking time away from our responsibilities. Rest invites us to pay attention to what our minds, bodies, and spirits need and to create space to replenish what has been depleted.

This pillar invites us to reflect on the rhythms we have created in our lives. Sometimes we become so accustomed to constantly doing, giving, working, and caring for others that slowing down can feel uncomfortable or even unproductive. But rest is not the opposite of progress. It allows us to return to our responsibilities with greater clarity, energy, and intention rather than continually operating from exhaustion.

To live with rest is to recognize that we were never meant to pour endlessly without being replenished. We can create rhythms that include moments of stillness, healthy boundaries, reflection, joy, and restoration. Rest may look different in every season, but when we intentionally make room for it, we give ourselves the opportunity to reconnect with what matters, listen to ourselves, and move forward from a place of renewal rather than depletion.

"Rest restores what constant motion quietly spends."

Stephanie Toney

Take a moment to reflect on what it means for you to create rhythms that restore your mind, body, and spirit through three areas:

Awareness: What signs tell you that your mind, body, or spirit needs rest?
Boundaries: Where in your life might you need to create more space to pause, slow down, or say no?
Restoration: What activities, people, places, or practices help you feel genuinely renewed and replenished?

Choose one area where you need more rest and reflect on what creating a healthier rhythm could look like.

Choose one intentional way to make room for the rest of this week

Rest can begin with one small choice. Step away from something that can wait, create a boundary around your time, spend a few quiet moments without distractions, reconnect with something that brings you joy, or simply give yourself permission to pause.

Pay attention to what changes when rest becomes something you intentionally make space for rather than something you wait to earn.

"Rest returns strength to places that have been giving without replenishment."

Stephanie Toney

Behind the STRENGTH™

Behind the STRENGTH™ this week, Rest looked like listening to what my body and mind needed in real time. While attending a conference, I gave myself permission to take a nap in the car instead of pushing through fatigue. That simple pause helped me return more present, focused and able to fully receive the rest of the experience.

I also practiced all seven types of rest described by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith: physical, mental, emotional, social, sensory, creative and spiritual. Physical rest looked like sleep and slowing down. Mental and sensory rest looked like stepping away from constant input. Emotional and social rest meant giving myself space to be honest about what I needed and choosing relationships that felt restorative.

Creative rest came through noticing beauty around me, while spiritual rest gave me space to reconnect with meaning, purpose, and what grounds me. Rest showed up in different ways throughout the week and each one reminded me that restoration can be intentional, practical, and woven into the middle of a full life.

“Restoration begins when we allow ourselves to receive what depletion has been asking for.”

Stephanie Toney

One Week Ago & In Upcoming Weeks

Rest showed up for us at the Southeast CHW Network Summit in South Carolina through connection, laughter, learning, and giving ourselves permission to enjoy the moment.

Even in the middle of a full conference experience, we found space to pause (and play marbles), be present with one another (and give away some money), and receive the energy that comes from community.

"Restoration begins when we allow ourselves to receive what depletion has been asking for."

Stephanie Toney

Rest can be part of how we prepare to show up with strength.

Before presenting at the Virginia Public Health Association conference about CHW Strength as an example of a growing CHW business supported through the CHW CO-OP Company, I took a nap in the car.

That rest gave me space to reset, restore my energy, and walk into the room more present.

This photo reminds me that rest and growth can belong in the same story.

Sometimes the most supportive thing we can do before showing up for an important moment is give ourselves permission to pause first.

Happening in the Community

Text Valerie at 804-878-8061 with "YES" if you can attend on Saturday 10/10/2026 at 3pm EST

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Registration Form

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