| I’m taking a 5-day intentional pause starting Monday to tune out the noise and tune into my inner guidance and clarity. This is a welcomed break from business as usual and habitual doing. I have no doubt this break will benefit my business, my relationships, and my spirit. And, given the forces in the world right now, I know that this pause will help me get ready for what’s next. But before I go, I want to share some of the common objections and excuses I hear from smart creators, drivers, and do-ers that prevent them from taking time for themselves in this way. These may sound familiar to you. My intention is to shine a light on the limiting beliefs that unnecessarily hold us back from our best life. Here are three that are top of mind:I can’t afford to take time offI’ll fall behindI can’t possibly miss that meeting or that event. Here’s what’s actually true: You can’t afford NOT to take time off, tune in, and get clear. Your intuition/gut/soul has a lot of wisdom to impart. These insights will serve you exponentially as you take inspired action. Yes, some things will not get done but I’ve found that the important things still do. It’s actually refreshing to get some distance from the urgency. It’s a handy perspective you can use to help prioritize post-pause. Turn your FOMO (fear of missing out) into JOMO (joy of missing out). Really listen to why you think you can’t miss something. Is it your ego talking? If it’s important, get creative about how you might approach it differently. For example, if it’s an important meeting, how might you still contribute or get visibility in other ways? Sometimes new approaches are far more impactful. Enjoy what opens up when you’re not available for business as usual. So, what questions about intentional pause do you have for me? Post-pause, I’ll answer your questions and share tips on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ThePauseBox. I hope you’ll join me there. Here are some often-asked questions that you might also be wondering: What’s the difference between a pause and a vacation? How long does a pause need to be? What do I do all day? More importantly, what don’t I do? How do I not feel guilty or look selfish? I can’t wait to share these answers and more. See you on the “other side.” Until then, shine on. Meredith Vaish Chief Clarity Officer, Pause Box shop.pauseboxco.com P.S. Throughout the horrendous events of the last two weeks, I’ve been listening, learning, and engaging in vulnerable conversations with fellow moms, coaches, and entrepreneurs. The book, “Me And White Supremacy” by Layla Saad is at the top of my reading list for next week. But even more important than book-learning is asking myself not “what can I do?” but “what is mine to do?”* I invite you to move past the general and move toward the deeply personal with this question. This is where you’ll find your voice and your gifts that will make all the difference. Black Lives Matter. **Thank you to Tara-Nicholle Nelson and Monisha Chandanani for sharing this profound question. |
