Harnessing the Power of the Pause
Learning to appreciate life's planned and unplanned "intermissions"
I am taking a huge risk with this post, not because of its content, but because I don’t have time to edit it multiple times.
I usually write a post, sit on it for a day or so, and then edit it. Sometimes I repeat that cycle a few times. The product is better for it, but it is time-consuming. Of course, there is always a mistake in the final post anyway. Or two. They glare at me after I press publish; it seems so obvious then. Sometimes I fix them.
Who am I kidding? I always fix them.
Anyone else do this?
Why do I go through this cumbersome process? I am not really sure. Perhaps it is the high achiever in me. Overachieving and putting incredible pressure on myself is in my DNA, or at least embedded in it via my upbringing or family history (epigenetics, anyone?). More was always better. Working extra hard was required, not optional.
It has served me well.
And, it has cost me much, mostly in terms of sleep and a sense of calm.
For this post, I am going to try to write it, schedule it to post, and forget it. Wish me luck. Assume any errors are intentional—think of it as an ‘error scavenger hunt’ for you. Whoever finds the most errors wins! Congratulate me on making them—and leaving them where they are. It will mark progress on my part.
When this is posted, I will be taking time away from my computer. From work. From my volunteer endeavors. From writing. From politics and the news. Hopefully, from stress.
I am going to practice relaxing, like a champ. In fact, I’d like to win a gold medal in relaxing.
Oh wait, am I trying to overachieve in relaxing? (Dang, this internal pressure runs deep!)
Relaxing is not a competitive sport.
Truth: Sometimes you don’t know how fast you’ve been going until you stop or slow down.
Whatever happens, I will have learned something by trying.
I’ll let you know how I make out.
Fingers crossed!
Why Relax?
Relaxation and relaxation techniques have well-documented health, wellness, and mental health benefits. Read more HERE and see resources below. Relaxing is one aspect of a healthy “coping toolbox” and definitely worth the effort. Rest and reset. Often.
Bonus Points: If you would like to support my herculean efforts to RELAX, join me in celebrating the power of the pause.
How? Just tell me YOUR stories of relaxing successes or challenges.
Or simply comment and share this post.
Thoughts about this? Your voice matters.
I’m listening—and relaxing. Like a boss. 😊
Footnote: Pausing is an underrated superpower. It can be a tremendous asset in a variety of situations, not just for relaxation. More on this in a subsequent post—And by request, I’ll write a somewhat related post on the “power of the paws”; our beloved pets’ impact on our health and happiness.
Articles on relaxing: APA: Relaxation Techniques, Benefits of Nature, Happiness Hacks, and an old resource: Relax: You May Only Have a Few Minutes Left.
Straight talk about trauma, resilience, mind-body healing, life, & hope from my heart to yours. 🩷
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*Disclaimer: Not professional Advice
I love this! And I am the same as you - typos/errors bug me and I have to edit them! (I actually just emailed someone at work to point out a massive (and confusing) typo that was put up on my work's web page. I felt kinda bad doing it...but at the same time, the error doesn't look good, so...
ANYWAY.. I also have trouble resting and pausing and just...letting things be. So I feel you on all counts in this post! (And I didn't notice any typos! 😊)
You wrote straight into my nervous system. Adjusting ones' response to the outside environment is so d--- complicated, though even a small step is a big win!