Things happen fast. There’s likely a lot that you wish you could get done. That list might feel like it’s never ending. You might feel like you never have enough time. Growing to-do lists equal stress, overwhelm, frustration, and unhappiness. Things ‘to do’ drives our attention to outcomes (check marks) rather than our purpose in doing these things to begin with — and the experiences along the way.

Having goals, plans, places to be, people to see, and things to do is great, but not at the expense of your happiness. There is value in hitting the pause button. Sometimes we need to stop. We need to regroup. We need to breathe. We need to step away to get perspective.

Developing the habit of hitting the pause button can allow us to recharge. It can allow us to take an assessment of where we are and where we’re headed.

Are the goals your striving towards really what you want? Are all these plans really at places, with people, and doing things that you love and enjoy? Important questions only asked when we learn to pause.

Pausing allows us to move faster towards what we really want. Pausing can provide the clarity of focus we need. It can allow us to course correct. Pausing can allow us to enjoy the sites along the way. Give yourself the permission to hit the pause button. Do it regularly. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed do it as often as you can.

The pause button can be as simple as one deep, mindful breath.