"Takin' Time Out"

Definition:  A temporary stop, a period of time in which something is stopped before it is started again.  A control that you use when you want to stop a recorded song, movie, etc. for a short time.  A break in a verse. A temporary inaction especially as caused by uncertainty.

 

As we start a brand new year I encourage you to “pause” for a moment and reflect on where your life is right now!  Where you have been, where you are headed and are you on the right track?  Takin a time out to “pause” can give life such a deeper meaning.  The years ahead can become a decade of destiny and make an impact in all you do.  But I feel first you must “pause” and get centered.  Ask yourself a few questions and be honest…where are you spiritually, financially, emotionally, relationally, occupationally and physically?  What would you like to change?  Figure out what gives your life meaning and what is really draining it.  In all those areas identify what is working and what is not.  Are you balanced?  Living with purpose, passion and productivity will bring such joy and satisfaction in each of these areas.  This requires work, a commitment and takin time out occasionally to re-evaluate.  Just hit the “pause” button!

 

When was the last time you really “paused”?  I feel with the pressures of our job, our family, church or our outside commitments.  We don’t really hit the “pause” button nearly enough.  Have you ever sat watching a movie at home with friends or family and you need to answer the phone or use the restroom…what do you do?  Yes you usually will hit that little red button on the remote control and “pause” it until you return.  Why don’t we do that in life too?  We get on this roller coaster ride called life and think no I don’t have time to do that.  But really if we would carve out a little time I think we would become much more productive and happy in our daily tasks.

 

This past New Year’s Day for the first time in a very long time I hit the “pause” button and stayed in my brand new PJ’s all day and slept most of it but it was absolutely wonderful to give myself permission to do that.  I had no agenda, I was off the clock, I didn’t check, emails, text, phone message or Facebook both for work or personal and even though guilt tried to sit in I ignored it and looking back I am so glad I did.  My body needed that, I needed that and you know what my family survived and actually did quite well without me.  I encourage you to make a date and hit the “pause” button and check out whether it is a few hours or a full 24 hours.  It is truly ok…I promise!  Lately with the holidays, fourth quarter and all the changes going on in our industry I have felt very over stimulated and to be frankly honest DRAINED!  I have been burning the candle at both ends you might say, I needed to hit that “pause” button, give myself permission for takin time out for me!   I am so much more rested, focused and ready for a new year.  Last week’s post was on New Year New Possibilities and yes I have so many aspirations, dreams desires and hopes for this next year but before I can truly begin to make things happen.  I must “pause”, reflect, relax and prepare mentally, physically and emotionally.  I hope you understand what I am trying to say…as I see so many of my friends, co-workers, family on this treadmill of same ole same ole.  For me I want to make a difference each and every day, whether it is in direct contact, with a comment, a touch, a smile or whether it is in this writing of a blog.

In order to do that I must “pause”, reflect and fill my tank up!

 

While sitting here sipping on my warm cup of hot herbal tea holding it close to my chest…mmmm I ponder what else comes to mind when you hear the word “pause”?  Sometimes people “pause” in their speech in order to collect their thoughts, or they “pause” in order to get someone’s attention, or maybe they “pause” to be courteous.   The writing is important, but the way you say the line and the “pause” you give it, the facial expression all of that is very important in order to get the point across.  One must also “pause” and listen instead of monopolizing the conversation.  Again the life lesson is to slow it down a bit and “pause”.  Sometimes at sporting or large gatherings, we “pause” in remembrance of someone, our precious military who have sacrificed so much or to say a prayer.

 

That brings up another good point we must “pause” and say our prayers, for guidance, for clarity, for praises and just to communicate.  Jesus was big on takin time out, finding solitude and hitting the “pause” button for a moment.  Luke 5:16 says “Jesus often withdrew to a lonely place to pray.”  Or “pause” like in Psalm 37:7 “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.”

 

I remember reading a devotional written by the wonderful and lovable Barbara Johnson she had received a note from a friend and it said, “Barbara, I am here for you.  When the going gets really tough…you can always come hide in the closet with me!”  We all have days we may want to run away, especially through the busy holidays.  Times when the only thing that distracts us from a throbbing headache is the piercing pain in our backs or feet.  Days when it seems that all we hear is bad news.  Days when our kids give us fits, our bosses give us impossible assignments, and out spouses and kids give us long to do lists.  It’s those days we most need to “pause” or takin a time out to regroup.  Dear friend I have a closet we too can hide. 

 

During this New Year I hope you will consider these facts and don’t overburden yourself with too much.  Until next time my dear friends…breathe deeply, relax fully and give yourself permission to “PAUSE”!