pause: pôz/
| synonyms: | stop, cessation, break, halt, interruption, check, lull, respite, breathing space, discontinuation, hiatus, gap, interlude; More |
Have you ever noticed that conversations can seem like more of a contest to see who can get the most words in, the most laughs, or their point across the quickest? Half the time, we are so focused on forming our next brilliant comment that we seem to to have tuned out the person actually having the conversation with us.
If we think about what how we feel or what happens when WE are trying to get across an important message, or convey an idea…and someone keeps interrupting us, or adding snarky, insensitive comments…or trying to constantly one up us, it becomes almost embarassing to know that sometimes we’re that person. If you care about people you should care about who they are and what they have to say.
Lately I have found myself in several situations where I feel like Baby from “Dirty Dancing”.
I just say the most inane things! I don’t know if I like to hear myself talk or what…but I walk away thinking the most horrible things about what just transpired and wishing for a rewind button. Please let me completely take that comment back and inset this highly intelligent, thought provoking statement instead.
So, in order to avoid these “watermeloning” moments, my word for 2014 is pause.
Pause…before you speak. Sometimes? You may not even have too. It’s ok to nod and smile. I don’t always to be witty or funny…..or awkward.
Pause…before bandwagoning in on a conversation. What are your motives in agreeing? in responding? in reacting?
Pause…before thinking something negative. Positive self talk, missy!
Pause…before committing…or not committing. Give yourself time to think about it, to talk it over with people whose opinions you value.
Pause…enjoy your moments. Be grateful for where you are in life. Be thankful for your health, your family, your friends. Circumstances can change in a heartbeat.
Pause…slow down. Just…slow…down.
I’m going to actively work on pausing in my life. Did you make a resolution for 2014? or set a goal? I would love to support you, and covet your support for my internal pause button as well.
Watermelon throwing,
Amber
Leslie Olguin says
January 21, 2014 at 9:00 pmSo much easier to pause than rewind. I always say, your brain thinks it before your mouth says it, so there is just enough time for you to…THINK: is it Thoughtful, Helpful,Important,Necessary, or Kind? If not you have time to pause, smile, and move on. 🙂
Tammy Todd says
January 22, 2014 at 12:00 amI really like this. 🙂
May we all remember to THINK before we speak.