Take Time To Pause

I just got back, not too long ago, from a much-needed vacation. I reconnected with my immediate family. We spent time with more family in NC and even hung out at a few beaches in Delaware.

It was good for my soul.

The time created a powerful opportunity for me to love myself.

There is something beautiful about taking time away to pause from our regular routines. Pausing helps me refocus my energy, clarify my vision and reclaim my joy. Here are a few things I've learned and gain from my pause.

1. By slowing down, I noticed how tired I've been.

The first few days of my vacation, I rested. I had no choice. My body wouldn't allow me to keep moving. So I went with it. I had the most peaceful naps. Instead of rising bright and early, I chose to sleep in late. It was glorious!

Have you ever had that experience of not knowing how tired you were until you stopped moving?

It made me aware of a familiar pattern I can easily fall into. I keep going and going, grinding, accomplishing tasks, taking mini-breaks, get some rest. Wake up in the morning and start all over again. Wash, rinse, repeat. One of the most challenging things about the pandemic for me is the monotony. I often feel like I'm in the movie Groundhog Day. It can be exhausting.

Taking a break allowed me the opportunity to shake off the exhaustion. I showed myself love and gentleness by honoring what my body needed most, rest.

2. Pausing creates space for joy and connection.

Another strange dynamic the pandemic has created is that I'm at home with my family more often, but we spend less time together. We spent the better part of this past year being in separate corners of our house, either working from home or attending virtual school.

Going on vacation gave us time to talk and connect. We also traveled for the first time since 2019 to visit family. We went to water parks and the beach. We laughed, talked, and played.

I loved waking up each day, not sure of what we would do or where we were going. I loved being spontaneous, and it created pure joy. The beaches in Delaware were incredible. The people were friendly, and we had time to relax, unwind and enjoy the scenery. It was pure bliss!

3. Getting still supported me in clarifying the next most appropriate steps to live and work sustainably.

The biggest lesson I learned is that it's time to shift how I've been working. My old way of working is no longer sustainable.

No more wash, rinse, repeat.

My biggest goal is to create more space for the people I love and opportunities to do the things that bring me the most incredible amount of joy. Beach trips are high on the list so is quality time with my family.

I'm saying no to overworking and yes to more downtime.

I'm saying no to separation and yes to connection.

I'm saying no to struggle and yes to balance.

I'm saying no to the constant grind and yes to freedom.

I'm saying no to stress and yes to peace.

I pray that you find time to pause and listen to what your soul is craving at this time.

Love, peace, and joy! ❤️✌🏾😁

Danielle