Pause

Think back a year ago. Where were you? What were you doing? Who were you with and how did all of that make you feel? What were your goals? We tend to get stuck in the daily grind and drama especially when we are connected to everyone 24/7. Now I know none of you planned for this virus to shut down life as we know it, but honestly I believe there is good in everything and whoever or whatever it may be has your back. There are people dying, losing jobs, and other terrible things happening because of this virus, and while our prayers go out to all those affected this is not the purpose of my article. 

So, who were you with? What were you doing? What were you stressing about? What kind of love were you feeling? What kind of love were you giving? I am strictly speaking from my own experience, but sometimes I think we all need a pause. I don’t care if you’re working in a restaurant waiting tables, sitting at a desk all day, seeing patients, teaching our future generations, arguing politics, or flipping burgers. Sometimes all you need is a pause. A pause to do what, you might ask? A pause to understand that you are in your journey. You are the universe experiencing itself. You are driving your life and whether the situation is ideal or not it is your story. The funny thing about human stories is that each and every one is like a snowflake. None are the same, yet every single one is as meaningful and thrilling as the last. My most recent pause was about a month ago. I was bartending a late night shift with hundreds of college students dancing and the music was engulfing the room. I had 10-12 people asking for drinks at once, but for some reason I chose to take a pause. I stepped back, looked at my other bartenders and the crowd of people and realized that this is my journey. This is all part of my story. There were good times and bad times, but during that paused moment I realized how grateful I was for my journey and my process. You realize all those who love you and all those you love. You realize there is no room for hate or judgement. In these paused moments you realize the love for your family despite differences. You realize that even though you think you can’t catch a break from life, all of those hard times are your journey and will be used at some point later on in life. You briefly step outside of yourself and realize that life is beautiful. You step outside of the everyday chaos and see beauty. Your journey. 

One of my favorite philosophers J. Krishnamurti said it best,

"I don’t mind what happens. That is the essence of inner freedom. It is a timeless spiritual truth: release attachment to outcomes, deep inside yourself, you’ll feel good no matter what"

When was the last time you took a pause...?