Pause seems like such an innocuous word. But I contend it has great power when we:
Pause to be grateful
Pause to reflect
Pause to forgive
Pause to listen
Pause to enjoy
Pause before answering
Pause before reacting
Pause to appreciate
Pause to breathe
In 2022 I hope my One Little Word will be powerful. Not in physical strength, not in intellectual prowess, not in a domineering or superior kind of way. Quite the opposite. I hope it will help me become more humble, grow in compassion, appreciate what is before me.
I guess it’s another way of being in the present moment. For example, as I’m typing this, I’m eating a piece of chocolate. How many times do I pop a piece of chocolate in my mouth while I’m working? (Too many, I know). But I’m going to pause right now, stop typing, and simply enjoy this chocolate…
I’m back. And you know what? That chocolate tasted delicious. I would have missed the flavor and the enjoyment if I’d kept working while I ate it.
Life is so busy, and we’re asked to multitask all the time. As a young mother, my children needed care and attention 24/7. As a former teacher, every day in my classroom was like spinning plates, trying to keep all the tasks and responsibilities in the air. It was in the moments when I paused with my children or my students that helped me appreciate what was going on…and to cherish it.
And haven’t there been times when I wished I’d paused before I spoke or reacted to someone or something? Those words I wish I could take back, or those bursts of anger or impatience that led to a posture or a look I regretted. A pause would have been quite powerful then.
There are times that I automatically pause to savor or be grateful. A stunning sunset, standing on the beach of Lake Michigan or the ocean, holding my grandbabies, our whole family gathered around the table this Thanksgiving.
What I hope to do is take ordinary moments to appreciate things: a piece of warm toast, the refrain of a song, a shower in hot, potable water EVERY DAY, a sharpened pencil.
I want to pause and say, “Thank you.” Or ask “What did I just learn?”
Making sure to pause will take focus and effort, but I think it will be worth it. Maybe I’ll keep track in my planner of the times in each day that I paused and what that pause taught me. I need a “pause” sticker LOL.
What is your little word for 2022?
Ironically, Betty, taking time for oneself was the sermon topic yesterday. Pausing to rest, refresh, relax. I did that during last year. This year I’d say my word is renew. I wanted to use begin again, but that’s 2 words. Same concept. Renew my creative energy, renew my writing career.
I love the word “renew,” Diane. It has such freshness and hope about it. I think I’ll tuck it away for a future OLW. I wish you all best as you renew your creative energy and writing career.
You know I do this every year as well. My word this year is acceptance. I am going to be 65 in August. It’s time I took the things in my life I can’t change and accept them. My hair is silver. My skin is crepey. My kids are getting older. There will be no grandbabies. My husband is a grouch. The list goes on. I have to accept these things as life. Some of it doesn’t make me happy right now. I think taking time to accept those things that drag me down will make me a better person. Acceptance, that this is the life God gave me. Now I should make the most of it. And be thankful.
Such wise words from you, Deb. I have found that gratitude brings more things to be grateful for. I’ve just read a book about acceptance titled The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer. It took me a few tries to get into it, and it was reading it and discussing it with two dear friends that helped me to finish and appreciate it. He also has a very good podcast.
Pause to have patience! As I am approaching the last chapter of my life (75) I find that I have less patience than ever. Need to work on that.
I have written to you regarding my aunt Lucille Lavallee who has read all your books. She is 93 and stated that she is at the epilogue of her book!!!
I continue to follow your emails. Stay healthy and safe!!
Suzanne, it’s so good to hear from you! Please give Lucille my best. I love her statement that she is at the epilogue of her life. So sweet. I hope you are both staying healthy and safe, too.