For many of us, we are embarking on a busy time of year. School is in full swing. Evening activities fill the calendar (which kid needs to be at which practice?!). This week is Thanksgiving which kicks off the holiday season. And while a lot of this is positive, it can also be a lot.

It’s pretty simple to fall into being busy. Our society kind of thrives on it. (This is another soapbox for another day.) It’s a point of pride to say “We did two Thanksgivings, three Christmases, and a huge New Year’s Eve party where the kids rang in the New Year with us at midnight!” If that is your jam- go you! Life is for living!

But if it stresses you out as much as it stresses me out, then let’s take a deep breath together.

Who wants to find a balance between the busy and the calm? I always love a good balance. Here’s the thing- life can be lived fully without being go, go, go, do, do, do. There can be space for a pause.

Say what?! Jeni, you aren’t making sense.

**Think about it.** When was the last time you took a pause? My last Pause was November 11. The kids, my husband, and myself had an easy dinner then a movie night at home. Why? Because we all needed a Pause. Before that, the last Pause was in early October. So yes, I fell into the busy world just like the rest of us. And my gosh, did that movie on the couch feel good.

What does your Pause look like? Pizza and a movie at home? (That’s our next family Pause the Friday after Thanksgiving. Very intentionally planned.) Out to dinner so there is no cooking and cleaning? Kids stay with a sitter or family while parents go out? Early bedtime? Skip a sports practice? Actually get a good workout at least one time this week? Start a new book? Start a new binge Netflix series? Practicing gratitude like in Emily’s last blog? My point is the possibilities are endless.

What does your Pause feel like? Does it feel like not moving? Does it feel like intentional movement? Does it feel like slowing the mind? Slowing the body? Actually getting rest? Eating well? Eating junk food? The way your Pause feels is so personal.

It just takes effort.

Effort to stop? Sounds contradictory. It is, a little. But not really. It can take just as much effort to be busy than it does to slow down. It’s all in your perspective.

Perspective can be gained when we look at the goal of the activity (or lack thereof). What is the goal of your Pause? The overarching goal I am speaking to in this blog is the notion of slowing down for yourself. Slow down in a notoriously busy time of year. Slowing down often does the body and brain good. Again, slowing down looks different for everyone. I’m also not saying you have to slow down for a large chunk of time. Five minutes here, and five minutes there can work wonders.

So my challenge to you is to Practice the Pause at least one time in this season of busy holidays. Find a minute to figure out what you want to do, when you want to do it, if you need any help, and the goal of the Pause. I’m doing it, too. Here are my Pauses:

Family movie night - family Pause

Date night - marriage Pause

Event at church - my own Pause

Annual Baking Day - marriage Pause

Kids’ Holiday concerts - family Pause

It looks like a lot, but in reality, most are 30 minutes to a couple hours. I like the frequent quicker Pauses as opposed to longer and less frequent. My goal in my Pauses- intentionally slow down, do something for myself, do something for my marriage. Remember, I have four kids; slowing down makes me feel better and allows me more patience for my kids and my husband.