When Life Demands a Pause

We live our lives in a great hurry, running from this activity to the next and from this meeting to the next one. Then, we look back on a completed year with a satisfied smile for all the things we accomplished. Yet, what was accomplished? Were important things getting done, or were we just busy?

My 2018 Resolution

The way we spend our time, and the goals we set for ourselves become our legacy. It is my hope for 2018 and beyond that I am more focused on wisely using my time.

I Lost My Way

I was lost when we moved from Dallas to Seattle three years ago. My husband went to his job every day, the kids went to their school, and I didn’t know where to go except home. I was mildly depressed, and I perfected the art of time wasting. My days were a blur of household chores, text threads with friends back home and lots and lots of social media scrolling, liking and commenting. I can reflect on that time as a terrible funk, a semi-dark time in my life, or I can also choose to look at it as a giant lesson in embracing changes and slowing down.

A New Focus

Slowing down was an inevitable result of the move. Starting over in Seattle meant fewer social engagements and clients for my business. Most of my time now is spent writing blog posts, reading blogs, taking photos, and so on (all solitary activities). This slower pace has an upside. I can pick my twins up from school, take them on afternoon adventures and spend more time with them in general. Back in Dallas, my image consulting business was beginning to take off just before our move to Seattle. Therefore, I saw my children a lot less then. I now see this “forced pause” for the blessing that it is. How wonderful to enjoy more time with my beautiful, kind children during these sweet, young years. My business can always get a re-boot. Our kids are only young once.

Change is Tough

The “slowing down” part was easier for me than the “embracing changes” part of this lesson. I do not like change. New challenges frighten me. Moving to Seattle was the biggest change I had ever faced (except for becoming a mom to twins). I had to put myself out there, making efforts to build a social and a professional network from nothing. Three years later, I am relatively well-connected in the Seattle fashion industry, and I have lovely, supportive friends. I am proud of that. If we had not moved to Seattle, I would not know these fabulous women. They are the brightest spot of my being forced into a dis-comfort zone.

The Take-away

Life always has a few tricks up its sleeve. When life tells you to stop or slow down, do it. Have faith that there is a greater purpose for it than at first meets the eye. Try not to be angry or resentful about it, though these feelings are normal and you have every right to feel them. Just don’t stay at the pity party for more than one drink. (My thanks to Stacy for that great illustration.)

You will arrive at the right places at the right time. All the things that are meant for you will be yours. Stay the course in your unique lane. Learn and grow in the “pause” moments. Happy New Year!