The single most meaningful spiritual practice that’s had an unimaginable impact on my life is—The Pause. For many years my initial reactions to life led me down a path that wasn’t making me happy. Without knowing it, constantly sharing my opinion and barreling into things, was causing a tremendous amount of chaos in my life. Being taught to pause before speaking, acting or making a decision, not only changed my entire life, it also transformed my entire personality. A personality that, if I was ever going to find peace with four children, desperately needed transformation.

Sensible, calm people taught me that when I stop, I make space for my Higher Power to advocate for me. God has a chance to send messages like…

Maybe your spouse doesn’t need to know every time you think he’s being a nitwit.
Maybe your kids don’t have to hear your thoughts on every single thing they do.
Maybe you can think about that for a while before taking the first step.

When I hear phrases come out of my mouth like, “I’ll get right back to you on that” or “Let’s just see how it pans out before making a decision” or “That sounds like a great idea honey,” I know that’s recovery talking. Making that space gives me a chance to think before I rush to people-please or micromanage others.

There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t benefit from putting space between myself and my decisions. Among many other things, it’s allowed me to have more choices, be kinder, and avoid a ton of future resentments. And, the best product of The Pause? It brings me closer to the person I want to be...and that’s worth waiting for.

Want to read more about the power of The Pause? Check these posts out:
Three Day Rule - My Husband Doesn’t Need to Know Every Time My Feelings are Hurt 
Reacting - Getting Schooled by My Husband in Parenting 101
 

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