He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed. ~Albert Einstein.
Slowing down to speed up—what a paradox, yet it’s profoundly true.
As we start a new year, it’s a natural pause in the year. Sure, it had chaotic moments: prepping food, wrangling family schedules, and traveling to gather with loved ones. But amidst all that, it was a pause from the regular hustle—a moment to reflect, connect, and breathe.
That’s the beauty of a pause. It offers us a chance to recalibrate. Without moments of intentional rest, we risk running on empty, striving harder but achieving less.
Anne Lamott says, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”
Think about that. Contrary to public opinion, everything is not on fire! Pausing isn’t just rest; it’s a reset. It’s stepping back so you can leap forward. Moreover, it’s biblical. The Bible’s core message is that by slowing down and calming our minds, we can find true peace and rest in God’s presence.
When we pause intentionally, it allows space for:
- Clarity: When the noise fades, the essential things bubble to the surface.
- Creativity: Our best ideas come when we’re not actively chasing them.
- Renewal: Rest restores our energy to tackle what’s next with a clearer mind and fuller heart.
The truth is that pauses don’t happen automatically. We have to create them. A packed calendar won’t magically clear itself. That’s why it’s so powerful to choose to stop.
Consider these questions for your own pause:
- When was the last time you truly unplugged? This is called quiet time.
- How are you protecting time for reflection? These are called boundaries.
- What’s one slight pause you can create this week—a morning walk, a phone-free dinner, or an hour to journal? This is called being intentional.
Ovid says, “Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.”
And let’s not forget: pausing isn’t just about reflection—it’s about joy and taking charge of your life. Sometimes, it means jumping to the front of the line and claiming the first bowl of ice cream for yourself. Pauses remind us to celebrate life’s sweetness, not just its demands.
As you ease into this new month and prepare for a new year, I challenge you to pause. Take a deep breath. Step away from the hurry. The world will keep spinning, but you don’t have to participate. Step off the merry-go-round, and you’ll return stronger, clearer, and better prepared to make the most of it. (Be sure to read the P.S.)
Here’s to the power of pause—because sometimes slowing down is the fastest way to get where we want to go.
We’ve just completed Thanksgiving. If you missed the opportunity to pause or slow down, you have another Christmas and New Year’s season ahead. It’s your time to reflect, reframe, and renew your life.