A Graceful Stride

A Graceful Stride

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A Graceful Stride
A Graceful Stride
You Don’t Have to Earn Rest, But You Do Have to Show Up

You Don’t Have to Earn Rest, But You Do Have to Show Up

On self-respect, discomfort, and learning the difference between compassion and escape

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Emma Ecklin
Aug 06, 2025
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A Graceful Stride
A Graceful Stride
You Don’t Have to Earn Rest, But You Do Have to Show Up
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Today’s piece explores the blurry line between self-compassion and self-indulgence. From therapy avoidance to the myth of “earning rest,” I’m learning that emotional maturity isn’t always soft—it’s sometimes just sticking with what you said you’d do…

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