Take a PAUSE: Let LIFE Do LIFE

For a while, I found myself caught in an exhausting cycle, pushing harder even when my body, soul, and mind screamed for rest. I often wondered, why do I feel like the world will leave me behind if I take a break? This fear began to gnaw at me, turning into panic attacks whenever things didn’t go my way. I started questioning my abilities, feeling like I was constantly racing against some unseen clock.

There was a time when I slipped into a dark phase, overwhelmed by worry and uncertainty. I felt utterly lost, unsure of how to pull myself out of that pit. My self-image took a hit, and suddenly, I was trapped in a cycle of self-criticism. I forgot that mistakes are part of life, and failing sometimes is just a part of the messy but beautiful process of growth. Instead, I found myself chasing this unrealistic idea of perfection, convinced that everything had to make sense all the time. 

Every rejection, every slip-up felt like my world was crumbling. I became a spectator in my own life, watching through the lens of comparison, always looking for pieces of myself in the successes of others. It was exhausting, and honestly, pretty disheartening.

Then one day, the concept of PAUSE hit me like a light bulb flashing on in a dark room. It was like discovering a hidden gem in the chaos of life. I thought about it this way: imagine watching your favourite movie. The thrill, the suspense, the joy—it all builds up beautifully. But then, life interrupts. You have to get up and do something else. The only option is to hit pause. While the movie is on hold, you do your chores, catch up with friends, or enjoy a good meal. And the best part? Life doesn’t stop. It keeps rolling on, with or without you.

I decided to start treating my life like that movie. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, burned out, or just plain stressed, I would hit PAUSE. During those moments, I took time to sit quietly, to introspect. I focused on things that brought me joy—cooking, reading, or simply enjoying a moment of peace. I found it incredibly refreshing to breathe, eat well, and just be still while the world continued to spin.

In those pauses, I discovered a kind of clarity that I hadn’t felt in ages. I began to see things from a place of calmness. Mistakes weren’t catastrophic; they were just part of the ride. Failing didn’t define me; it was a stepping stone. Each time I found that clarity, I could return to my life with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose.

As I embraced this idea of pausing, I started to notice how much I had been missing in my own life. Before, I was so focused on the next deadline, the next meeting, or the next achievement that I barely took a moment to appreciate the little joys around me. A sunset, a good laugh with friends, or even the simple pleasure of a warm cup of tea—all these things became so much more vivid when I allowed myself to just be.

I remember one evening, after a particularly long week, I felt the familiar urge to keep pushing forward. But instead of succumbing to that pressure, I decided to take a break. I stepped outside, embraced the cool evening air, and just stood there, watching the world go by. The sounds of laughter from a nearby gathering, the rustling of leaves in the breeze—they brought a sense of calm that I had forgotten existed. 

In those moments, I realised that life doesn’t require my constant hustle; it flows on its own, with or without my relentless pursuit. I began to understand that taking a break didn’t mean I was lazy or unproductive. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Those pauses became my secret weapon, allowing me to recharge and come back stronger, more focused, and ready to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead.

I started to feel lighter, more at ease with myself. I began to let go of the need for everything to be perfect. I learned to celebrate my small wins, to acknowledge my efforts without waiting for grand achievements to validate my worth. 

One day, I was chatting with a friend who seemed to be in the same rat race I had once been caught in. She was burnt out, overwhelmed, and stuck in a cycle of comparison and self-doubt. I shared my newfound philosophy of taking pauses, and her eyes lit up. It was as if a spark had ignited within her. She realised she didn’t have to keep running on empty; she could take a step back, breathe, and reassess what truly mattered to her.

That conversation reminded me of the importance of community in this journey. Sharing our struggles and triumphs can create a ripple effect, encouraging others to embrace their own pauses. We’re all navigating this unpredictable ride together, and sometimes all it takes is a gentle nudge from a friend to remind us that it’s okay to slow down.

Now, I actively encourage myself and those around me to take those moments of reflection. Whether it’s a few minutes of quiet before diving into the day’s tasks or a longer retreat from the hustle, I’ve come to cherish these pauses. They’ve become a vital part of my routine, helping me stay grounded and connected to my true self.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember this: life is not just about the finish line; it’s about the journey, the laughter, the lessons, and yes, those precious pauses along the way. Let life do life, and when you feel the urge to push through, consider taking a moment to just breathe. You might find that the world doesn’t need you to be constantly on the go. Instead, it’s waiting for you to enjoy the ride.