Dear Overly Responsible One: It's Okay to Rest #196

January 19, 2026

00:00 25:40

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Do you find yourself being the one everyone relies on — the responsible one, the capable one, the one who holds everything together?

If you’re overly responsible, rest can start to feel impractical, joy gets postponed, and peace becomes something you hope to get to later — after everything else is taken care of.

In today’s episode, Bonnie shares a deeply personal story about laying down over-responsibility. Through Scripture, neuroscience, and soul care, this episode gently invites you to make space for peace and joy — not by doing more, but by letting go.

This episode will help you recognize how over-responsibility shapes your inner life and offer a compassionate path toward rest, safety, and renewal — without pressure or obligation.

Key Takeaways
Why being overly responsible often leaves little room for rest and joy 
How Jesus’ invitation to “lay down your nets” can lead to peace instead of pressure 
Why chronic responsibility keeps the nervous system on alert — even during good
One soul care practice to help you release stress & renew peace & joy

Breath Prayer 
Inhale: I lay down my nets
Exhale: I follow You in peace

Today's Scripture:
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.” Matthew 4:19–20 (NIV)

→ Take Bonnie's Most-Loved Soul Care Courses:

Breathe Rest with Jesus:
A Loving Course to Create Wellness Rhythms of Peace with God’s Promises

Breathe Joy with Jesus:
Create Happy Wellness Rhythms to Cultivate Joy with God's Promises
Register at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/

Praying the Psalms for Wellness:
A Life-giving 8-Week Wellness Course to Release Stress, Renew Peace & Find Rest for Your Hear
Register at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-prayingpsalms/

Lent Wellness Study (Seasonal Offering)

A 6-Week Healing Renewal For Your Heart With Jesus in His Love
Register at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-lent/

→ Take the FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com

Get your personal wellness assessment and learn which area of soul care you need most.
→ Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store

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Meet Your Host

Bonnie Gray is the author of Finding Spiritual Whitespace and Whispers of Rest. An inspirational speaker and retreat leader, she has touched thousands of lives through storytelling, visual arts, nature, prayer and meditation. Bonnie’s writing is featured at Relevant Magazine, (in)courage, and Christianity Today. She lives in California with her husband and their two sons.