I am trying to consciously take advantage of moments to pause mindfully. Living feels vibrant, busy and loud right now. I feel as though I am in a perpetual role as the helper; at work I support students, and at home I nurture a family. Pausing is a good reminder not to get lost in the exchange or become entrenched in autopiloting myself through the day. Listening to myself–honestly narrating what I feel; it is both challenging and freeing.

The more I pause, the more I listen with my whole heart. I just want to be truthful and throw the arbitrary formalities of discourse out the window… empower myself to be authentic. There is fear in doing so, but the fear can be acknowledged. Pausing shows gratitude to the present instead of chasing after the future.