Pause.

Man oh man.

I swear.

I know I’m royally fucking shit up.

I can see how much I despise the action I’m making, time and time again.

The consequences make me feel awful, guilty and anxious.

I recognize how much I want to stop, but I just can’t seem to.

…

Or I thought.

Welcome to Practicing The Pause.

Are you kicking yourself in the ass, as you’re making the same mistake, time and time again?

Say for instance, you’re choosing to make actions that go against your values and morals. You recognize that you’re hindering your progress not only towards your goals, but also, hindering your personal self-growth progress.

Some mistakes are poor choices that have actually become habitual, rather than impulsive decisions. Perhaps these poor choices have become a part of your daily actions. Perhaps you recognize that these patterns are not serving you, but you can not seem to stop. Its almost as if you are a small child whom can’t seem to keep their hand out of the cookie jar - no matter how many times they are told.

These actions can actually really hurt you. Some of these actions may not only be against your values, but they may cause harm to others, yourself or business’. Just as a few great choices and actions will equate to progress and achievements over time, numerous poor daily choices, can equate to negative outcomes over time. Some of these consequences may include health issues, loss of friendships, isolation, depression, guilt or more serious consequences with higher authorities - like the loss of a job, jail time, detention, etc.

Regardless of the negative action or choice you are making, its time to make a conscious effort to stop.

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Its time to Practice The Pause.

Practicing The Pause is literally just that.

Right when you’re about to make your poor choice.

STOP.

Take a DEEP breath in - inhaling deeply, filling your lungs and allowing it to sit there for a second. Now exhale, slowly and mindfully. Feel the air exiting your lungs.

Do this three times.

Do you feel that?

Thats your consciousness - your awareness coming forth, again.

When you inhale and exhale deeply, focusing on the breaths and air entering and exiting your lungs, you are allowing your brain and heart rate to slow down again. This helps you come back into the moment, and out of your mindless/habitual or impulsive state.

Now.

Ask yourself in the moment.

1. Is doing this going to help me progress to my goals?

2. Does this sit well with my soul?

3. What are the consequences of doing this?

4. How will I feel after I do this (guilty, excited, happy, fearful)?

5. Is this serving my higher self (aka, is there a valid reason you must make this decision)?

After you ask yourself these questions, you will likely be able to refrain from the poor action. However, if you do not refrain from the action, recognize your “why” you made the decision to go forth with it, and let it be.

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This isn’t about restricting certain things because “you’re a badass”, or you “cant skip the gym” when your body is literally screaming for rest. This is about recognizing your core values and morals, and not going against them.

Differences may include:

1. Saying NO to having the box of cookies, but saying YES to having 2.

2. Saying NO to binge eating on a bad day, but saying YES to the glass of wine you’d like to enjoy.

3. Saying NO to the 7th consecutive workout in a row, and saying YES to a date night consisting of movies, snuggles and rest with your loved one.

4. Saying NO to overworking and spending long hours in the office, and saying YES to spending an evening with your kids.

5. Saying NO to peer pressure and saying YES to your souls desires.

6. Saying NO to unlawful choices and saying YES to withdrawing from the environment.

7. Saying NO to meaningless arguments and saying YES to being the bigger person, and walking away.

8. Saying NO to screaming and saying YES to deep breathing before speaking.

There are so many possibilities and examples, and these are just a few to get your wheels turning.

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If you value being a good mother - be present and spend time with your kids.

If you value work - ensure you are putting your best foot forward by completing the job with great efforts, while ensuring you are not spreading yourself too thin.

If you value nourishing foods - ensure you are eating all the colours of the rainbow, while enjoying a treat now and then without guilt or shame.

If you value fitness - get up, and exercise/move your body in a way that feels amazing to you.

If you value happiness - ensure you are making choices that don’t leave you feeling miserable, shameful or guilty.

If you value relationships - make time for those you love, and give them your undivided attention. Remember, the phone can wait.

Next time you go to make that poor choice,

PAUSE.

You’ve got this, sister.

I love you.

xo

Dee