Author: coachrita365

Mantra #2: Now is Not Forever

“Now is Not Forever:” A Mantra for Life’s Ups and Downs

You and I both know how quickly life can change. One moment feels like it will last forever… until it doesn’t. That’s why this mantra means so much to me. It’s a mantra that steadies you in chaos and softens you in joy. It’s helped me savor the good times and survive the hard ones. And it’s been with me ever since a Christmas morning many years ago — a moment I want to share with you. Let me take you back to that morning.

My 4-year-old and 8-year-old daughters were on the floor that Christmas morning, completely absorbed in the magic of tearing through wrapping paper to open their presents and make a mess in our living room. Their laughter filled the room.

My husband looked over and smiled at me, and in that quiet moment — coffee in my hands, our daughters lost in joy, love settling over us like a warm blanket — I felt a wave of tenderness. You’ve had moments like that, too, the warm, fuzzy ones you wish you could freeze.

And it was in the middle of that sweetness that something shifted.

As clearly as if someone had whispered it in my ear, I heard the words: Now is not forever. I felt a sudden ache as I realized this moment was already becoming a memory. It was precious because it was temporary, and I wanted to hold it close before it passed.

If you’ve raised children, you know how quickly those moments slip through your fingers. In that moment, I knew that one day I would look back on this time and want to relive it. I thought to myself, I’m never going to forget this moment because now is not forever.

Cherish the Good Times and Survive the Bad

What I didn’t realize then was how often I would return to those words.

That moment didn’t just stay in the past. It became a mantra I leaned on again and again — especially when life became harder than I ever imagined. This mantra didn’t just help me feel joy; it helped me survive pain. You’ll be surprised how quickly this simple phrase can steady you.

I learned that most clearly during the hardest seasons of my life.

Repeating “now is not forever” carried me through serious illnesses and surgeries, with too much time spent in MRI machines and critical care units. You’ve had these moments too — when you’re scared, exhausted, or wondering how you’ll get through. Repeating this mantra will strengthen you in hard times.

But this mantra isn’t only for the big crises, parenting, or illness. It’s just as powerful during the quieter, confusing in-between times. It can be a compass to help you navigate any personal or professional transition you face.

We’ve all had good relationships that turned bad, and jobs we thought were secure until they weren’t. Loss made you believe you would never be happy or feel safe again — and then you were. Repeating “now is not forever” during lonely, insecure times gives you hope that this feeling won’t last and that you will be happy again.

Change brings a time of transition and a roller‑coaster ride of emotions. You feel the pain of loss alongside the excitement of possibilities. If you don’t have a clear vision of what’s next, you will feel lost and confused during the in‑between phase that seems to last forever.

Repeating “now is not forever” will help you get through the in-between time until you once again feel happy and as if you belong in the new world that change creates.

Because I want this mantra to support you as it has supported me, here are a few simple ways to use it when you need it.

  • Repeat this mantra at any moment you’re feeling impatient, overwhelmed, or just plain miserable. It will calm you and help you gain perspective on your life right now.
  • If you’re struggling, “Now is not forever” offers you hope during difficult times. It means better days are coming; the pain won’t last forever.
  • During times of happiness, “Now is not forever” encourages you to cherish the moment and recognize that even good times change and evolve.
  • When you’re longing to relive a happy moment, “Now is not forever” reminds you of life’s constant flow of change. Instead of longing for the past, focus on how you can experience and treasure the present.

Life keeps moving, and so do we. But the beauty is that new moments always find us.

I can’t relive that moment with my children, but I’ve been fortunate to share similar moments with my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Wherever you find yourself today — in joy, in uncertainty, or simply trying to stay afloat — let this mantra deepen your gratitude for the blessings you’ve received and soften the edges of the challenging moments.

Let it remind you that this moment is not forever. Everything changes. Everything passes. No season lasts forever. And as life shifts around you, this mantra will help you breathe a little easier and trust a little deeper. It will remind you that you’re going to be okay. You always have been. You always will be. You are far more resilient than you know.

The Mantra Series

Mantra #1: What’s Important Now?

A mantra is a small phrase with surprising power — one that helps you stay present and focused. It offers clarity when life feels confusing, perspective when things get stressful, and a reminder that you are more resilient than you realize. Whatever happens, you will be okay.

In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and unpredictable, these small phrases matter more than ever. They help you stay grounded in what’s real and remind you that you can choose what’s important now.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing my top ten mantras — the ones that have guided me through many seasons of life. So, let’s begin with the question that has reshaped my path more times than I can count.

Mantra #1: What’s important now?

This is a powerful question to begin the year with. Your answer becomes a compass — not just for your daily activities, but for your life and what truly matters in your current phase of living.

There are two ways to use this mantra:

1. The Practical Application

“What’s important now?” is a tool for improving productivity and staying focused on what truly deserves your attention.

When everything feels urgent, this question helps you decide what matters, what can wait, and what can be released altogether. It keeps your time aligned with your real priorities and your energy directed toward what actually moves life forward.

I often ask myself: What will happen if this thing I think is urgent doesn’t get done? Will it matter in a week, a month, or a year? Usually, the answer is no.

2. The Deeper Application

The second use of this mantra is more meaningful: it helps you clarify how you want to experience life right now.

After many years of coaching people through major transitions, I’ve noticed something consistent: the happiest people are those aligned with what’s important in the season they’re actually living. Many of us continue operating from a previous phase of life — even when it no longer fits who we are.

Life moves in seasons. As the familiar verse reminds us, “For everything there is a season. A time and place for every purpose under the sun.” Each season asks something different from us. When we’re not aligned with that season, nothing feels quite right. We feel out of place — because we are.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing we must have it all and do it all now. But we don’t. We can’t. And we’re not meant to. Life unfolds like a book with many chapters, and not everything belongs in chapter one.

Asking “What’s important now?” brings you back into alignment with your real priorities — the ones that match the season you’re living in, not the last one or the one you think you “should” be in.

Looking back, I can see how much better life worked when I honored the purpose of the season I was in — and how stressful it felt when I resisted it.

This question simplifies decision-making. You only need to ask whether the choice in front of you aligns with the purpose of your season. If it does, you move forward. If it doesn’t, you let it go.

We’re living longer than generations before us, which means more seasons to experience and more chapters to write. This may be your season to prioritize family, career, travel, learning, health, service, creativity, or simply savoring life and feeling grateful for all the chapters you’ve lived.

A Closing Thought

When life feels uncertain, this simple question brings you back to yourself. “What’s important now?” It doesn’t demand perfection — only presence. You don’t have to have everything figured out. You only need to know what matters right now.

Let this question steady you, simplify your choices, and bring you back into alignment with your season of life.

One question. One moment. One chapter at a time.

Am I Letting Go or Am I Giving Up

As we grow older, reflection becomes inevitable. We may begin to ask ourselves: Have I done enough? Is there more I should be striving for, or is it time to be content? Have I climbed all the mountains I was meant to climb, or should I still be chasing new summits?

Lately, I’ve found myself confronting a vision I once had for this phase of life — a vision that may no longer be realistic. Accepting that is difficult for someone like me, whose philosophy has always been that many things in life are difficult, but few are impossible. I’ve always believed that with enough determination, any goal could be achieved. When something starts to feel out of reach, letting go can feel like I’m giving up.

But is that really the case?

We’ve all seen people in leadership roles hold on long past their time. Staying too long can diminish the impact of their legacy. Letting go, in these cases, could have been a wiser and more dignified decision.

And it’s not just about careers. How many of us have held on to relationships, roles, or dreams long after they stopped serving us? Sometimes, we persist in situations that are clearly no longer working because walking away feels like failure.

We often create a vision of how life should be. But life has a way of shifting — through unexpected challenges, changing priorities, or simply time. When that vision no longer aligns with our reality, we face a difficult choice: Do we keep striving toward what might no longer be possible, or do we accept a new version of life?

Is acceptance the same as surrender? Is letting go a sign of wisdom — or a sign of giving up?

Understanding the difference between the two is key. Here’s how I’ve come to define them:

  • Letting Go is a conscious, intentional decision made after reflection and clarity. It’s about releasing attachments, beliefs, or situations that no longer serve your well-being, to make space for new possibilities. It can bring peace, relief, and a renewed sense of purpose.
  • Giving Up is often reactive. It’s driven by discouragement, fear, self-doubt, or external pressure. It involves abandoning effort and can leave us feeling powerless or regretful, reinforcing a sense of failure.

The difference lies in the motivation behind the choice — and the impact it has on your well-being.

Ask yourself:

  • Does holding on bring you hope, joy, and inspiration?
  • Or does it feel heavy, frustrating, and burdensome?
  • Are you driven by passion — or by fear?

Letting go isn’t weakness. It isn’t quitting. It’s choosing to stop pouring your energy into what no longer brings you joy. It’s choosing peace over struggle, clarity over confusion. Most importantly, it’s choosing to trust that releasing something doesn’t mean you’re left with nothing — it just means you’re making room for something new.

The process of accepting life as it is — rather than as you once imagined it — does not mean you’ve been defeated. Acceptance allows us to find gratitude for what we do have instead of despair over what we’ve lost or were never able to achieve.

Ultimately, whether you decide to let go or to hold on, do it with intention. Understand why you’re making the choice. Evaluate the cost to your mental, emotional, and physical health. And be honest about what you’re fighting for — or what you’re fighting against.

Every decision we make shapes our future. So, choose with clarity. Choose with courage. And above all, choose what honors your growth

Everyday Resilience: How to Rise from Life’s Setbacks

Life, at times, throws challenges our way that seem insurmountable. Moments of doubt, fear, or uncertainty can cast a shadow over our innate strength. But here’s a truth that often goes unnoticed: resilience isn’t something extraordinary, it’s something within us all. It’s not a trait reserved for a select few; it’s the quiet force that allows us to adapt, endure, and rise.

Resilience doesn’t always look heroic. It’s not always about grand gestures or dramatic triumphs. Sometimes, resilience is simply waking up in the morning and putting one foot in front of the other when it feels like the world is pressing down. It’s choosing to keep going, even when you’re not sure where the path leads.

Consider the trials you’ve faced in your own life. No matter how big or small, you’ve made it through challenges before—and that’s proof that you’re more resilient than you may believe. Think about the ways you coped: leaning on friends or family, finding moments of joy, or simply holding on and waiting for the storm to pass. These are all acts of resilience, and they demonstrate the depth of your inner strength.

What’s remarkable about resilience is that it grows with use. Like a muscle, the more we encounter adversity and push through, the stronger our capacity becomes. This doesn’t mean you have to welcome hardship—it means that every time you face life’s difficulties, you’re cultivating your ability to rise again.

Remember, resilience isn’t perfection—it’s persistence. It’s not about having all the answers or making no mistakes; it’s about continuing to seek solutions and having the courage to try again after setbacks. It’s about recognizing that setbacks are temporary and the possibility of a brighter future is always within reach.

So, when life gets tough, remind yourself: you’ve faced challenges before and survived them, and you can do it again. Even when the road ahead seems daunting, know this: you’re resilient. You’re stronger than you think. And your ability to adapt and endure is greater than you’ve ever imagined

The Love of a Pet: A Valentine’s Day Tribute to Our Furry Companions

While Valentine’s Day is often associated with romantic love, there’s another kind of love that deserves celebrating—one that is loyal, pure, and unwavering: the love between humans and their pets.

Whether it’s a devoted dog’s wagging tail or a contented cat’s gentle purr, pets offer us companionship, joy, and an unconditional bond that enriches our lives every day. Pets are more than just animals; they are family, friends, and our most loyal confidants. 

Two years ago, in a moment of insanity and a feeling that it was now or never, my husband and I decided to get a dog. Our reasoning, based on denial, was that if we didn’t get one now, we would be too old to take care of one. What we soon learned, however, was that we were already too old.

We fell in love with a six-week-old golden retriever we named Jackie and took her home to live with us. We soon found ourselves wondering how such a tiny bundle of joy could create such delightful chaos.

My standards for a clean house fell quickly. Shredded puppy pads became part of the décor, and protecting our socks and shoes became our new way of life.

We learned to identify people in our neighborhood who were “dog people” and to avoid those who weren’t. The Dog Park became our social life, and Jackie soon became its queen. Before running off to play with the dogs, she would greet each dog’s parents with friendliness, which always resulted in a belly rub or pat on the head. Our challenge was chasing Jackie around the park when we were ready to go home because she was never ready.

I began reading about dogs’ developmental stages, so I would know what to expect next and be reassured that our current stage wouldn’t last forever. 

We attended puppy training classes that Jackie thought were play time but made us feel like failures as parents. In her first four-week training class, she barked from the beginning to the end of every session while the other dogs sat quietly beside their parents. I’m sure the teacher gave her a passing grade to get rid of her.

We’ve survived 25 months with Jackie, and oh, the joy she has brought us. We can be gone for 30 minutes, and she will greet us as if we have been gone for 30 days. She always gives us something to laugh about, and her love is unconditional. She sits between us on the sofa at night while we’re watching TV and alternates whose face she will lick next.  Woe to you if you sneeze in her presence. All seventy pounds of her will be in your lap with her nose in your face, ensuring you’re ok.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the human-pet relationship is the unwavering loyalty and affection it provides. Unlike human relationships, which can be complex and sometimes unpredictable, pets love without judgment or condition. They are always there to greet us after a long day, comfort us when we’re feeling down, and celebrate with us in our happiest moments.

Beyond the emotional joy pets bring, they also contribute significantly to our well-being. Studies have shown that pet ownership can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even improve heart health. Petting an animal releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and happiness, while also decreasing levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

For those who suffer from anxiety or depression, pets provide a sense of purpose and routine. They encourage physical activity—whether it’s taking a dog for a walk or playing with a cat—which can boost mental health. Their presence can alleviate feelings of loneliness, providing comfort and companionship in times of need.

To experience the love of a pet, you must also be prepared to accept its loss. I’m told that the pain of losing a pet softens over time, leaving behind a bittersweet reminder of the joy they brought. The loss of my 20-year-old cat, Jasmine, is too recent for me to know for sure.

I adopted Jasmine when she was just a few months old. She was an adventuresome cat I often rescued from the trees beside my balcony. We frequently flew coast to coast together when my consulting business required me to live in other locations for a year or so. Taking an adventuresome cat through airport security is not easy. No matter where I was and what was happening in my life, Jasmine was always there with me. I miss her every day.

Though our pet may no longer be physically by our side, the love we shared endures. Memories of their playfulness and loving companionship are engraved in our hearts as a testament to an unbreakable connection that forever enriches our souls.  

Valentine’s Day is about expressing love; our pets do this every day without words. Their loyalty, companionship, and affection remind us of the beauty of simple, unconditional love. This Valentine’s Day, let’s cherish the love our pets give us so freely—because, in their eyes, every day is a celebration of love.

Let them know how much they mean to you, whether it’s an extra treat, a longer walk, or quiet cuddle time. And if you don’t have a pet, consider rescuing one—somewhere, a pet waiting for you who needs your love, and maybe you need theirs. 

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If Only “They” Would Change

Ten Tips for Achieving Holiday Harmony

It’s the time of year we look forward to when we see friends and family, whom we may not see very often and who may not share our beliefs and feelings about the recent election. This can lead to heated discussions and strained interactions instead of the pleasant experience we all want.

Many people fall into the trap of thinking that holidays would be more pleasant if only “they” would realize how wrong they are and change their thinking to be more like mine.

Family dynamics can be challenging, but thinking that if only “they” would change overlooks the fact that “they” are thinking the same about your need to change your beliefs.

Expecting people to change their beliefs and behaviors can create a hostile environment, where they feel criticized and may become defensive. When we focus on others’ need to change, we don’t listen to what they say about their beliefs and why they believe we need to change ours.

Beliefs are deep-rooted and difficult to change. Our upbringing, culture, experiences, and education shape them. They form the core of our identity and worldview. When we encounter differing beliefs, it can feel like a challenge to our identity and values. Several factors contribute to this insecurity:

  • Fear of Being Wrong: The idea that we might be wrong can be unsettling, leading us to cling tightly to our beliefs.
  • Social Validation: We often seek validation from others, and when they don’t share our beliefs, we feel a lack of validation.
  • Cognitive Dissonance: Encountering beliefs that contradict our own can create a mental discomfort that we instinctively want to resolve.

If you feel strongly about another person’s beliefs and spend way too much time wondering how they could possibly believe what they do and how you can help them get back to “normal,” ask yourself why their beliefs bother you so much. 

In a world of diverse opinions and perspectives, one of our biggest challenges is accepting that others can hold different beliefs without threatening ours. This feeling often stems from a lack of confidence in our beliefs, leading us to think that the only way to feel secure in our relationships is if others adopt our viewpoint. However, once we embrace the diversity of beliefs, we can feel a sense of liberation and relief.

Building confidence in our beliefs can help us accept and embrace the diversity of perspectives around us. Their beliefs don’t have to mirror ours for us to accept and feel confident in our own.

To create peace, harmony, and enjoyable times with those we love, here’s something to think about this Holiday Season:

Ten Tips for Achieving Holiday Harmony

  1. In politically polarized families, rather than trying to change each other’s political views, focus on shared values like unconditional love and mutual respect, memories that make you laugh and smile. Do you really want your relationships to be conditioned on sharing your beliefs?
  2. Identify what triggers negative responses in us and why. Use the power of the pause in conversations to create a moment of silence for reflection and allow both parties to think before responding to something they may later regret.
  3. Listen with an open mind and a genuine interest in understanding their perspective. This doesn’t mean you have to agree with them, but it can help you appreciate where they’re coming from.
  4. Engage in constructive dialogues and discussions rather than debates. Focus on sharing and exploring ideas rather than convincing others to adopt your viewpoint.
  5. Embrace uncertainty to be open-minded and adaptable. This mindset can reduce the need to defend your beliefs aggressively.
  6. Understand that your beliefs are part of you but don’t define your entire identity. This separation can help you view differing beliefs as opportunities for growth rather than threats to your self-worth.
  7. Practice mindfulness and self-acceptance to become more aware of your reactions to differing beliefs. Accepting yourself and your beliefs without judgment can foster inner peace and make it easier to take the differing beliefs of others without judging them wrong.
  8. Recognize that everyone’s beliefs are shaped by their unique experiences and that diversity enriches our collective wisdom.
  9. Identify and focus on shared values and goals that transcend specific beliefs. This can help bridge gaps and foster collaboration and understanding.
  10. Model the behavior you wish to see in others. Don’t condition relationships on sharing your beliefs. By doing so, you can be confident in your beliefs while being open to and respectful of different perspectives. This approach empowers you to set a positive example and influence the tone of the conversation.

Conclusion

Navigating family dynamics when beliefs diverge is difficult but possible. By practicing empathy, focusing on shared values, using “I” statements, setting boundaries, and being interested in learning more about beliefs that differ from ours, we can improve communication and foster healthier relationships. Promoting mutual respect and understanding can lead to more harmonious family interactions, even in the face of divergent beliefs.

The Power of a Pause: How Taking a Break Can Boost Your Self-Confidence

In today’s fast-paced world, where productivity is often valued above all else, deadlines loom over us, and information bombards us from every angle, the idea of taking a pause can seem counterintuitive. Yet, the power of a pause—be it in conversation, work, or daily life—can be profoundly transformative, especially when it comes to building self-confidence.

The Science Behind the Pause

Research in psychology and neuroscience reveals that pauses are crucial for cognitive processing. When we take a moment to step back, our brains can process information more effectively, leading to a clearer perspective on challenges we face, better decision-making, increased creativity, stronger self-esteem, and deeper connections with ourselves and others. There are a dozen reasons to take a pause:

  1. Create the Opportunity for Reflection

One of the most significant benefits of pausing is creating an opportunity for reflection. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of our values. When we take a moment to step back, we create space for introspection. This allows us to reevaluate our values and determine if we are living in alignment with them or if they have changed and how we might need to change to align with them.

  •  Acknowledge Achievements

Many people struggle with recognizing their accomplishments, often feeling that they must constantly achieve more. Taking a break provides the time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished so far. This acknowledgment can foster a sense of pride and reinforce a positive self-image, which is crucial for building self-confidence.

  • Gain Perspective

A pause can also help shift your perspective. When we’re caught up in the grind, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by challenges. Taking a break allows you to step back and view your situation from a broader perspective. This shift can help you realize that challenges are often temporary and that you have the skills to handle them. Recognizing your resilience strengthens your belief in your abilities.

  • Recharge Your Energy

Self-confidence is not just about mindset; it’s also about energy. Burnout and fatigue can severely undermine self-esteem. Our brains can only handle so much before fatigue sets in. Pausing allows you to recharge, both mentally and physically. Short breaks like standing up, stretching, or even a brief meditation reduce mental overload and give you the energy to confidently enter a meeting room or event.

  • Reduce Stress

Stress can create a cycle of self-doubt, where the pressure to perform leads to anxiety, which in turn diminishes confidence. Pausing breaks this loop, allowing our brains and bodies to reset. Research shows a brief interruption can disrupt repetitive negative thoughts or physical stress symptoms. Taking time to relax, engage in hobbies, or simply do nothing can significantly reduce stress levels. Lower stress leads to clearer thinking and a more positive outlook, which bolsters self-confidence.

  • Enhance Creativity

Stepping away from a problem or task can lead to breakthroughs in creativity. When you return with a refreshed mind, you may find new solutions and ideas that boost your creativity and confidence in your problem-solving abilities.

  • Build Skills Through New Experiences

A pause doesn’t have to mean complete inaction. It can also be an opportunity to explore new interests or develop new skills. Engaging in new experiences can significantly enhance your self-esteem. Learning something new can be empowering, and mastering a new skill can boost your confidence. The sense of accomplishment can translate into increased self-assurance in other areas of your life.

  • Expand Your Comfort Zone

Trying new activities often involves stepping out of your comfort zone, which can be daunting but rewarding. Each time you successfully navigate a new experience, you reinforce your belief in your ability to handle challenges. This process gradually expands your comfort zone and builds lasting self-confidence.

  • Foster Mindfulness and Presence

Pausing can facilitate mindfulness, which is essential for self-confidence. Mindfulness encourages you to be present and aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It helps cultivate self-compassion, allowing you to treat yourself with kindness and understanding and making you less likely to engage in negative self-talk, which can erode confidence. Instead, you learn to support yourself through challenges, creating a healthier self-image. 

Practicing mindfulness through intentional pauses can reduce stress and anxiety, leading to a greater sense of peace. Whether through meditation, deep breathing, or simply stepping away from a hectic environment, these moments of stillness can rejuvenate our spirits and enhance our overall well-being.

  1.  Increase Self-Awareness

A mindful pause enhances self-awareness, helping you understand your strengths and weaknesses. This understanding allows you to set realistic goals and recognize that growth is a journey. The more self-aware you are, the more confident you become in your decisions and capabilities.

  1. Cultivate Gratitude

Pausing can also open the door to gratitude. When we take a moment to reflect on our lives—what we have, who we love, and what we’ve achieved—we cultivate a sense of appreciation. This practice can shift our mindset from scarcity to abundance, promoting happiness and contentment.

  1. Enhance Communication

Pauses play a vital role in conversations and group presentations. Pausing in conversations creates a space for reflection, allowing both parties to think before responding. This not only deepens understanding but also encourages active listening. By giving ourselves and others the time to reflect, we foster an environment of respect and thoughtful engagement.

In presentations to large groups, a well-timed pause can enhance the impact of what’s being said, signaling that a statement is important or requires consideration. Professional speakers effectively use this technique, even though pausing makes you feel uncomfortable and afraid of looking like you have forgotten what you were going to say.

Silence can be uncomfortable, but it can also be a powerful tool for communication. Embracing silence creates a moment where thoughts and emotions can settle. Silence can lead to breakthroughs in high-stakes conversations, such as negotiations or personal discussions, as it encourages introspection and reduces impulsivity.

The Challenges of Pausing

Despite its benefits, pausing is often easier said than done. The pressure to be constantly productive and connected can make it feel uncomfortable or even unnecessary. Overcoming this feeling requires intentional effort. It may involve setting aside specific times for reflection or learning to embrace silence in conversations instead of rushing to fill every gap with words.

Here are Practical Tips for Incorporating Pauses into Your Life

  1. Schedule Breaks: Set specific times during your day for short breaks. Use this time to stretch, breathe, or simply sit in silence.
  2. Mindful Breathing: Practice taking deep breaths before responding to conversations, making decisions, or entering a room you might feel nervous about. This can help center your thoughts and emotions and appear more confident than you may be feeling.
  3. Silent Moments: Incorporate silence into your daily routine—whether through meditation, walking in nature, or simply sitting quietly for a few minutes.
  4. Reflective Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings each day. This can create space for reflection and gratitude.
  5. Embrace Discomfort: Acknowledge that pauses can feel awkward at first. With practice, they can become a source of strength rather than discomfort.

Conclusion

Pauses are powerful. In a world that often glorifies busyness, it’s crucial to recognize the value of pausing. Embracing stillness allows for reflection, rejuvenation, growth, and self-discovery. It can lead to deeper insights, improved communication, increased self-confidence and well-being, empowering you to face challenges with resilience and assurance. These moments of intentional rest remind us that relaxation doesn’t always require lengthy breaks or vacations. Often, it’s the few seconds we take to pause, breathe, and reconnect to who we are.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, remember the power of a pause. It might be just what you need.  By allowing yourself the grace of a pause, you open the door to a more thoughtful, connected, and fulfilled life. Ultimately, it’s not just about the moments we fill with action but also about the moments we choose to reflect, breathe, and simply be.

How to Expand Your Career Options

Gone are the days when you went to work for a company and stayed there until you retired. The relationship between employer and employee was based on loyalty in exchange for job security. You would always have a job if you did a good job. That world no longer exists. Today, the average worker makes a career change every 4.1 years.

Today, we live in a world of constant change that rewards flexibility, resilience, and the willingness to learn new skills that a changing workplace demands. It’s comforting to know that although your job may end, your skills go wherever you go. The knowledge you’ve gained, the abilities you’ve developed, and your natural talents are yours to keep. A job title does not define you.

There is a difference between changing jobs and changing careers. A job change is when you stay within the same profession and industry but change who you work for. A career change is when you take a job doing a different kind of work in a different industry. A job change is easier than a career change because you’ve already proven your ability to perform in a profession and industry. A Career change takes longer because you must clearly understand your transferable skills and convince a potential employer that you can apply your skills in a new profession or industry.

Sometimes, you have been in a job for so long that you don’t think about your options beyond finding the same job with another company in the same industry. You have other options and different ways of positioning yourself in the job market that you may not have considered. The list below contains five of those options and the risks associated with each one.

  1. Same Company/New Job

The benefit of this choice is that you understand the company culture and the industry. You’ve built relationships and trust within the company that can be beneficial. The downside is that you may have become too identified with your current role, and it’s difficult for people to imagine you doing anything else.

  1. Same Profession/New Company
  • You’ve proven your ability to be successful in this profession. If you’ve been active in professional associations, you’ve made contacts that can open doors for you to change companies. The risk is that you may not fit in with the company culture.
  1. Same Profession/New Industry
  • Like Option 2, you’ve proven your ability to be successful in your profession, but how knowledgeable are you about other industries that may be growing faster and have more opportunities than yours? Understanding the typical culture of that industry is required to make the best decision. For example, working in the high-tech industry differs from working for a government agency. Which is best for you?
  1. New Profession/New Industry/New Company
  • This choice requires research and preparation, but if you think your profession may be replaced by technology, no longer be in demand, or you’re just sick of it, consider this option. Give yourself time to research the requirements for the profession you are transitioning to. What company do you want to work for, and what contacts do you have at that company who can recommend you?
  1. Same Clients/New Company
  • This is an option you may not have thought of. Having deep experience working with people in a particular industry, profession, nationality, location, or demographic can be a selling point to another company that works with the same clientele you have been successful working with. Which of those companies would you like to work for?

Whatever option you choose, your most essential skills are the willingness to learn and the ability to manage change.

Any of the choices described above will trigger a time of transition when you question every decision you make and convince yourself that it is wrong. Changing jobs or careers is like changing your grade in school or changing schools. You have a new teacher and new friends, and you doubt you’ll succeed because you have so much to learn.

But just like you did in school, you will learn new skills, build new relationships, expand your knowledge, and prepare to climb to the next rung in your career ladder.



read more at http://ritaburgettmartell.com

Is It Time for a Career Change?

If you think it’s time to look for a new job or completely change careers, it probably is. Ten clues will help you clarify your current situation and decide whether to stay or go.

1. Your body is telling you enough is enough!

Do you get the “Sunday-night dread’? It’s no coincidence that these feelings happen when they do; your body is telling you it knows what Monday will bring and isn’t happy about it.

  • Are you constantly exhausted?
  • Do you struggle to concentrate?
  • Do you have headaches?

2. Your job is impacting your self-esteem

A fulfilling career should boost your confidence and self-esteem, not the opposite. If you begin to doubt yourself and your abilities, something must change. Staying in a job that makes you feel bad about yourself can seriously impact your self-confidence and career opportunities in the long term.

  • You feel like your suggestions are ignored.
  • You’re not confident in your decision-making.
  • You see no opportunity for growth or progression.

3. You’re only there for the money

Making money in a job that sacrifices your happiness is not worth the payoff. A career that brings personal and professional satisfaction beats all that money. Material things will never make up for hating your job.

  • You tell yourself you’ll only stay until you get your bonus.
  • You buy nice things to compensate for the pain of having a job you hate.
  • You envy friends with less well-paid jobs but greater job satisfaction.

4. You dream of a different career

If you’re wondering wistfully what it might be like to work for a top company in a culture and job that aligns with your passion, redirect your thinking to figuring out how to make it happen.

  • You always have a browser open on a job listing website but only look and do nothing.
  • You often read about the lives and careers of people you admire to distract yourself from your job.
  • You hate telling people what your job is and wish you could say something different.

5. You’re lacking energy, and you’re eternally bored

We all have days when we lack enthusiasm for our job, but it shouldn’t be every day. When you see everything boring, it’s time for a change.

  • You struggle to get out of bed early to go to the office.
  • The days seem to last forever
  • You’re tired all day, find it hard to stay awake in meetings, have nothing to contribute, and can no longer fake enthusiasm.

6. You’ve become disconnected from your passions

You feel disconnected from the original reason you chose your career. The challenge and creativity that initially enticed you has become routine, and you spend more time sitting in meetings than creating anything of substance. Remembering why you chose the career you did can help you identify what needs to change. Are your values still the same, or have you changed as you’ve grown older and more experienced?

  • You miss doing what brought you into the industry in the first place.
  • You feel like your job is taking away time when you could do what you’re passionate about.
  • You don’t recognize the person you’ve become in this job as it is so far removed from the person you were when you started the job.

7. You’re jealous of friends’ jobs

Envying the jobs, careers, or work cultures of friends or family can signal that you want to be doing something else, somewhere else. It can efficiently pinpoint where you want to go with your career.

  • You dream of having the creativity and flexibility your friends have in their careers.
  • You want to work for a company where work-life balance exists.
  • You’re constantly exclaiming how wonderful your friends’ jobs sound.

8. You’ve retired on the job

Why bother? Your suggestions have been ignored or rejected, or you work for a company that would like you to do what you are paid to do rather than suggest improvements. You have great ideas, but no longer bother sharing them. You do the minimum of what’s required to keep your job.

  • You have no interest in the company you work for.
  • You are coasting along and no longer looking for opportunities for promotion or advancement.
  • You’re saving your innovative ideas for a job with another company or your own company.

9. You would leave right now if you could

 If you could leave your job right now and remain financially secure, would you? If yes, start working out what’s required to do that and develop a timeline for making it happen.

  • Money is the only thing keeping you in your job.
  • You’re already saving up for the day you can leave.
  • You’ve dreamed of starting your own business but haven’t taken steps to learn what’s involved.

10. Your friends don’t recognize you anymore

The people closest to you can see that your job is taking its toll on you and not making you happy. They remember when you were enthusiastic, creative, and inspired to go out and achieve, and they don’t recognize the person always complaining. It’s time to take stock and start thinking about the person they used to know and how you can return to being that person.

  • You have less time for family and friends; when you do, you’re stressed and unhappy.
  • You don’t have the time or energy for the things that used to make you happy.
  • You’ve become so negative you’re a real drag to be around.

So now what?

You’re miserable; you know it’s time to change something, but you feel stuck and unable to move forward. Let’s break down what feels overwhelming into manageable steps.

First, ask yourself if the problem is the company, the industry, or the job itself.

  • If you think you would be happy doing your job but doing it somewhere else, think about working for another company.
  • If you believe this job will always leave you depressed, undervalued, and overworked, consider changing your profession.
  • If you’re in a dying industry that offers no opportunity to advance in your career, explore changing industries.

Your answers help you gain clarity about what to focus on changing.

Next month, we will talk about transferable skills that expand your career options. You have more to offer the world than you realize.