Life is full of possibilities. There are so many opportunities available that there is no time to consider them all, much less act on them. We are so busy with our current commitments, there is no time left to consider new opportunities and adventures.
We need a time-out. We need a break in our busy lives to review where we are, imagine the possibilities, and get back in touch with ourselves. Contrary to popular opinion, taking a break from constant activity is not a selfish indulgence. Giving ourselves time to exist with no agenda or goal to reach is necessary and can provide many benefits.
Experts have long known that taking a break is good for our health. The human body was not meant to be in constant motion; neither was the human mind. Giving ourselves a time-out provides a chance to stretch our bodies and our thoughts, decreasing stress and increasing creativity and productivity. When we give our conscious minds a rest, our subconscious often takes the opportunity to provide creative solutions to the challenges we are currently facing. Taking a time-out allows us to review where we are and celebrate our successes. Such small celebrations and acknowledgements provide the motivation and self-confidence necessary for future accomplishments.
Time-outs are particularly important during a time of personal crisis. During times of great stress, we are often tempted to work harder; however, a respite from the demands of life can provide the time to imagine what we want for the future and provide the room to change course, if necessary. We need the time to consider whether the objective we are striving for is the goal we wish to reach. Lives change. Taking time to consider how these changes impact us and what we want from our lives now gives us permission to change our minds and reconsider the goals of our youth in light of our experience.
Finally, taking a break provides a sense of freedom and control. When we take a time-out, we determine our priorities and which possibilities are worth spending our energy and time on. We are no longer running on an endless treadmill toward some unknown destination, but striving toward a goal which is important to us. We can appreciate the beauty of our surroundings and share them with those we care about. A time-out provides space to consider our choices before returning to the demands of our lives with a renewed vision and sense of purpose.
