Next Friday, May 21, I will walk across the stage to receive my Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling. I think back to when the Lord spoke to me telling me to go back to school that February of 2008 while in prayer with a friend at my house. I started the program in Aug/Sept of that same year and… almost three years later, I’M DONE!!! I’m so excited… I’m just tickled pink with myself. 
Well one of my classmates was on Facebook complaining about how bored she was while looking for a job and it prompted me to post a status on facebook about taking advantage and embracing the pauses in our lives. Many times we go from task to task, person to person, activity to activity, without any rest in between.
I’m guilty of it myself until I started realizing that I was no good to myself or anyone else if I was only operating at 50%. I wasn’t paying attention to the signs that my body or even my spirit was telling me. I’d work through lower back pain, tense shoulders, days off, vacations, you name it. I didn’t know how to enjoy down time. I felt like I had to be ‘doing’ something ALL the time. So last week, I took a ‘pause’ and took some time to just enjoy not having any reading or assignments due. I enjoyed being done with my internship hours, so I slept in a few days and just let my mind, body, & spirit rest and re-energize and boy-oh-boy did I need it. I think my husband was wondering how long it was going to last . But I’m back to working this week, but I am have also decided to not replace all of my time with just ‘doing’ stuff.
In between the changes, transitions, accomplishments and struggles… make sure you not only take time but MAKE time to pause, take a break, enjoy the moment, embrace the excitement and joy of the recent completed chapter in your life.
My challenge to you:
MAKE some time to REFLECT on ….
a) the journey;
b) what you have learned;
c) how you are different or the same, and
then Give thanks and appreciation to God that you made it through, whether you are transitioning from something great or a challenging struggle.
I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” No matter how good or how bad…. GIVE THANKS not only for your journey but your pauses as well! Don’t be so quick to jump into the next chapter of your life without embracing and FULLY appreciating the chapter you’ve just completed.
Until Next Time…
Detra M. Trueheart, Your Personal Life and Empowerment Coach
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Detra M. Trueheart is a professional speaker and life and empowerment coach. Her company, TrueheartSpeaks Enterprises, is dedicated to helping you live life IN and ON purpose. If you want to find out how you can enjoy life with more purpose, passion and power, visit www.trueheartspeaks.com.
© Copyright 2011. Detra M. Trueheart. All rights reserved.
good stuff
Thanks Alton!