Keke Palmer is soaking up the rest and relaxation she deserves. On Jan. 3, the famously booked-and-busy actor shared photos from her recent babymoon with boyfriend Darius Jackson and wrote a lengthy caption about the importance of slowing down before she welcomes her first child. She said: “i’m really proud of myself for resting this trip. i am antsy by nature. i love having a schedule, even on vacation. i learned to at least schedule things leisurely so i have something to complete that’s on brand with the theme of the season. which is, rest.” During the tropical getaway, Palmer and Jackson’s schedule included lounging on the beach, dining by a koi pond, and admiring waterfalls.
“This season I am going to learn how to really take it easy.”
The triple threat continued, “i will refrain from saying ‘soft girl life’ or whatever new label the folks are using,” referencing a trending self-care aesthetic that prioritizes ease, self-intentionality, and relaxation. “instead i’ll just say that for me the theme is rest because, i can. i have spent many seasons sacrificing and i am quite fine with that, i learned that from my father. . . . this season i am going to learn how to really take it easy. how to go slow (or slower than i have which is speedy for the average) because it definitely doesn’t mean my drive and passion will end, just transform and evolve through a different tool.”
Palmer’s change in tempo comes after a jam-packed 2022. Last year alone, she starred in “Nope” and “Alice“; lent her voice to the “Proud Family” reboot and “Lightyear“; launched her KeyTV digital network; graced multiple magazine covers; rereleased her 2007 track “Bottoms Up”; began hosting the NBC game show “Password”; and announced her pregnancy while hosting “Saturday Night Live.” We’re exhausted just thinking about accomplishing all of that in just 365 days, too.
Her reflective Instagram caption concluded, “the point is. everything that’s going to come is already in motion. all i have to do is enjoy. be grateful and reap the benefits of those that came before me, all the sacrifices, all the prayers and all the power to be intentional and at EASE.” Palmer’s followers flooded the comments with praise for her new outlook. Actor Asha Kamali Blankinship wrote, “I LOVE this sooo much. I am learning how to slow down. It’s hard. I may need your advice,” while celebrity makeup artist Sir John chimed in, “I ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOU AND THIS MUCH NEEDED LESSON/ reminder!”
On Jan. 3, Palmer’s boyfriend shared an Instagram gallery of 2022 highlights, including a photo of them kissing in the ocean and an ultrasound picture of their baby. “To 2022, thank you for giving me a family,” he captioned the post. Palmer and Jackson haven’t revealed a due date, but it looks like the couple will be rested and ready to tackle parenthood when their bundle of joy arrives.