P.A.U.S.E: The Power of Gifting Ourselves a Meaningful Breather

By Antonette Eduardo

What’s the best gift we can give ourselves in this fast-paced world? For me, it’s the gift of a pause—a moment to slow down, breathe, and gather myself before moving forward.

Fast. Instant. Trendy. These have become the hallmarks of our digital age. Life today moves at a relentless pace, and with it comes the pressure to keep up, to constantly achieve, and to do more.

Yet, as we strive to live a life of purpose, we must also remember that caring for ourselves is not optional, but essential. To become the best version of ourselves for others and for our goals, we need to take a meaningful break. That’s where a PAUSE comes in.

Here’s what a P.A.U.S.E. can look like:

Pray

In prayer, we find clarity. We feel God’s presence and guidance, especially when life becomes overwhelming and difficult to comprehend. Through prayer, we can fully surrender everything to God, and in that surrender, we often discover peace.

Acknowledge

Recognize and assess what’s happening in our life—the good and the bad, the joyful and the painful, the positive and the negative. Only by pausing can we truly become aware of what we’re experiencing, and from there, we are able to respond with intention.

Understand

Acknowledgement is just the beginning. We must also reflect deeply to understand the “why” behind life’s highs and lows. Through this kind of understanding we find insights and solutions when needed and a renewed sense of gratitude for the blessings we receive.

Silence

The world can be loud—both externally and internally. Sometimes, we heal the most when we sit in silence. In these quiet moments we find calm, clarity, and the space to reflect. Silence isn’t emptiness but a deeper renewal.

Empower

Finally, a true pause doesn’t leave us where it finds us however, discovers us enlightened and strengthened. Let your pause be a moment of encouragement, learning, and empowerment. A time to rise, to grow, and to keep moving forward with resilience.

So, take a moment. Embrace stillness. Gift yourself a P.A.U.S.E. It just might be the most powerful gift you can give yourself today.

“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me.” [Psalms 3:5]