Fifty-million things going on at the same time. That is exactly what is happening for me right now, which is the reason why I have been M.I.A. from the blogsphere for the past few days. My plate is so incredibly full at this moment that it is overflowing!
I was doing my best to handle it all, but after weeks and weeks of trying to juggle everything it became way too much…
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….so I decided to use the life pause button.
I made the choice to take a few days away to recollect myself so that I can renew my spirit and energy. I stayed away from Facebook and Twitter and I opted not to do any writing or maintenance on this site or read any articles from other ones. I halted my business and personal obligations and refrained from engaging myself in any type of media or social events at all. I even set my cell phone to ring only in case of emergency. I did all of this to give myself a “brain-dump” and empty myself of all of the stress and pressure that had been piling up within me for weeks, and I can honestly say that the time taken was time well invested. Even though I continue to deal with a myraid of issues, now that I am refreshed I can handle them in a manner far better than before.
I know that this life can get really hectic sometimes but it is very important that you make time to disconnect yourself from everything around you. If you can do it for a few days then that is great, but if you can only spare a few hours out of your schedule, then that’s good too! Taking some time away is far better than taking no time at all.
And when you do take the time that you need, remember that it will only be beneficial to you if you truly disconnect—that means no phone, no television, no internet; no reading books, magazines or newspapers or social gatherings—just simply you by yourself, enjoying the break from the constant stream of noise that surrounds you from day-to-day.
There will always be a mile-long list of things that must be done, but trust me when I say that the list is not going anywhere: if you step away from it for a few moments or even a few days, it will not do any harm. In fact, it will instead help you immensely.
Don’t be afraid to become one with your life pause button. Embrace it and get into the habit of using it whenever you feel that life is starting to get the best of you.
You will be so glad you did! 🙂
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I can totally relate to this post and you speak the truth. I don’t think I ever really felt as overwhelmed as I have since I started my blog last year and every now & then I have to take a few days, which occasionally turns into a week or two. I’ve discovered the secret to it too. I have to allow myself to take that time without feeling guilty, which can be difficult when you feel a need to post for your readers for fear they’ll leave and never return. But in the end, I’m a much better writer… Read more »
Greetings: Yes I absolutely understand where you are coming from and you brought up a very good point–it is so very important to not feel guilty about the time that you are taking when you take it! To have ‘downtime’ that is filled with feelings of guilt is not very beneficial at all! I had to learn that lesson the hard way, and it was a good thing that I did because taking the moments that I need to hit the ‘pause’ button have been extremely helpful in every are of life for me. I am so glad to know… Read more »
This is so true! My mom used to always tell me to “pause breathe and stop” and I think that sometimes it needs to be done no matter how hard it is to do. Great post!
Greetings: Yes you bring up a very good point–sometimes to take the break that you know that you need can be a very hard thing to do. You think of all of the things that need to be done, plus all of the things that are behind in being done, and you tell yourself that you must keep pressing through it all. But one thing that I have learned is that before long, things will start to crumble–almost like a domino effect. The only way to keep that from happening is to use the ‘pause’ button when needed–it really does… Read more »
I have to agree. With so many duties including family, work, hobbies, goals, responsibilities, at times that PAUSE button helps. I was overwhelmed with tax time at work but still trying to make deadlines with music while juggling multiple repsonsibilities I finally took the past weekend to take a breath. Such a joy to finally start our movie & lunch routine that my son and I have had the last couple years. That pause comes in handy as we don’t want to spend too much time in the future wishing we had done some things differently in the past. Ok… Read more »
Greetings: Yes pause time is extremely beneficial and I absolutely love your statement: “That pause comes in handy as we don’t want to spend too much time in the future wishing we had done some things differently in the past.” That is absolutely true. It gives us a chance to sort-of ‘freeze’ ourselves–our minds and souls–so that we can continue our present with a fresh perspective.I think that one thing that many people neglect to do (myself included) is to not only take spontaneous pause time but to also pre-schedule such time as well in seasons when we know it… Read more »
Hi Makeba,
I can only allow myself to take a few hours off from my work schedule once a week because of financial responsibilities. What I do with this precious time is to go to church with my son. I always look forward to this because I get inspired by the church music.
It’s just a short pause but you’re right, I get back to work feeling refreshed and renewed.
Greetings: What a wonderful way to spend your time when using the ‘life pause’ button! I think that is wonderful and it is truly good for the soul as well as the heart and mind! ~Thank you so very much for sharing here with me! 🙂
Hello Makeba, It is so important to make good use of that pause button. I work and work, but I always make some time for myself everyday whether its the gym, a hike, playing Wii Fit, dancing in my living room or simply appreciating nature. In the back of my mind, I know all that needs to be done for my career and the rest of life, but I feel it is so important to take this time for me. It helps balance myself and sets a good example to my girls to be balanced. Glad you took some time… Read more »
Greetings: those are some great ways to maximize the use of your life pause button! Most times just simply getting into a different atmosphere or engaging in another activity for a few hours is just what the doctor ordered. I am a firm believer that the beauty of nature works wonders to refresh the mind and spirit. It truly does help to keep us balanced. How wonderful that you have a dedicated time each year for yourself–I think that is wonderful! ~Thank you so very much for sharing here with me–I appreciate your kind words! 🙂