There was a period in between leaving my corporate career and trying to figure out the next steps. I knew how I wanted to feel in my body and life but I didn't see a clear path to get there. Nothing seemed clear and there were many moments of sheer panic, thinking I needed to find another corporate job because I'd never make enough money by pursuing my dream. I sat with my fear-based, conditioned thought patterns, acknowledged them and kindly told them to f**k off. I made the conscious decision to trust my intuition and let life happen to me instead of trying to create a path to the result I desired. I had to let go of the need to have it all figured out, planned out and written out. I decided to take what I call a mindful transitional pause. I literally hit the pause button. It was space that was needed to allow the path to reveal itself to me.
I reminded myself of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous quote, "You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." So I took each step and trusted that the next one would show up just in time for me not to fall flat on my face. There is nothing wrong about pressing pause on life and simply existing for a while. We are all human beings but we're taught that we must constantly be in action and doing mode in order to move forward. The stage between each chapter can be the most transformative period of self-discovery and rest, preparing you for the next step in your personal life journey. As opposed to being so eager to jump into action to get things that you desire, why not try thinking them into being? Pause, get clear on your desired feelings by visualizing them and how your body feels when you are doing what you truly want to do with your time. Allow yourself to imagine how you will feel if you get everything you desire. Ask yourself, "how would it feel in my physical body if my wishes were fulfilled right here, right now?" If you positively anticipate with your thoughts, the amount of action required is far less and the action you take will be much more satisfying and productive. It may just be the perfect time to hit the pause button for a little while. So sit back, relax and enjoy your mindful transitional pause.
