Rest. Recharge. Reboot. (And Blame Mercury if You Want To 😉)

As I head into a long weekend, I’ve been reflecting on how hard it can be to give myself permission to truly rest. Maybe you feel it too?

For me, the guilt creeps in…
“What if someone needs me?”
“What if a client wants to book?”
“Will Otis (my cat) miss me as much as I miss him?”
(Okay, probably not—he’s definitely living his best solo-cat life. 😂)

But the truth is, all those "what-ifs" pull me out of the present. They make it hard to drop into the moment and actually receive the rest I know I need.

Last Weekend Was My Wake-Up Call

We went to the lake—a place I LOVE—but I struggled that first night.
Not because anything was wrong… but because I was feeling the weight of stepping away.
The guilt of not “doing” or “working.”
(Still giving my Manifestor self grace for the fact that needing to reboot isn’t a flaw—it’s how I’m wired to thrive.)

This weekend, I’m making a different choice.
I’m retreating with intention. Not for “party time,” but for some much-needed soul time.
This year has brought so much change, so many beautiful things—and so much output.
Now, it's time for stillness. For quiet. For freedom.

And what perfect timing: Mercury Retrograde begins this Thursday.

What Is Mercury Retrograde, Anyway?

From Earth’s perspective, Mercury appears to move backward in the sky three to four times a year. We call these periods Mercury retrograde—and in astrology, they’ve long been associated with confusion, delay, and general cosmic chaos.

Think:
✉️ Undelivered messages
📧 Email blunders
🚗 Frazzled travel plans
💻 Tech glitches at exactly the wrong time
(Like last night, when I was burning the midnight oil and my computer kept freezing. Mercury, is that you?!)

But while retrograde seasons can feel frustrating, they also offer deep medicine.
They’re invitations to slow down, review, and reconnect—not warnings to panic.

So Why Does Mercury Retrograde Matter?

Mercury rules everything related to communication—speaking, writing, reading, listening, negotiating, contracts—as well as travel, technology, mail, and even cars. When Mercury appears to “rewind,” these areas often go a little sideways.

This retrograde is in the bold, expressive sign of Leo, which turns the volume way up.
What we say matters.
How we’re perceived matters.
And any mix-ups? They might feel… louder. A little more dramatic. A little more public. (Yikes.)

But Leo isn’t just about drama—it’s about expression, creativity, and courage.
So if you’ve been hiding backstage or afraid to use your voice, this retrograde might gently (or not-so-gently) nudge you forward.

What to Avoid During Mercury Retrograde:

• Major decisions with long-term consequences

• Signing contracts or committing to something brand new

• Launching projects or campaigns

• Miscommunications (slow down, reread, clarify)

• Travel mishaps (leave extra time, double-check plans)

• Tech issues (back up your files + avoid new gadgets)

• Reckless spending

What to Lean Into Instead:

• Reflection – What have you learned? What needs a second look?

• Revisiting – Pick up the unfinished project. Reconnect with someone. Return to what matters.

• Relaxation – You don’t have to earn your rest.

• Flexibility – Plans may shift. Stay loose.

• Mindfulness – Tune in. Your intuition is turned up during retrograde.

A Gentle Invitation:

If life’s been loud lately… this might be your permission slip to pause.
Use this time to check in:
✨ Are your priorities aligned with your energy?
✨ Have you overextended in areas that don’t truly nourish you?
✨ Are you showing up for what matters—or just keeping busy?

Sometimes, the best thing we can do is stop pushing and let ourselves rest.

When Mercury goes direct again (on August 11th) there’s usually a little "shadow period"—a couple of weeks where we’re still integrating. Don’t rush. Let the kinks smooth themselves out. Begin to move forward with clarity and renewed intention.

Bottom Line:

• Mercury Retrograde starts Thursday in Leo

• Expect communication, tech, and travel hiccups

• Avoid big decisions, contracts, or launches

• Do focus on reflection, rest, and reviewing your priorities

• Leo energy asks you to show up and speak out—mistakes and all

• Rest isn’t failure. Rebooting is essential.

A Reflection for Your Weekend:

“Where in my life am I being invited to slow down or shift directions—and how can I meet that with grace?”

Give yourself permission to pause.
You don’t need to be perfect to be powerful.

With love,
Lindsey
✨