There’s a question I try to remind myself of often. “Where do you want to be in 80 years?” And my immediate answer is: not here. Not in the burnout zone, not slumped over an espresso machine. I want to to be exploring and visiting other countries, of course, but I want to also receive the quiet, small blessings of drinking that fifth cup of coffee in a too-cute-to-pass-by cafe.

So here’s what I’m choosing, and what I’m begging you to choose as well: experience the pause. Remember what it feels like to exist within hours of no agenda. Say no to a really good thing- like another castle tour or the extra paycheck- so that you can really live. So you have the freedom and flexibility to slow down on your commute and look at the old homes and kids playing in the yard and the solo old woman smoking a cigarette. What is she thinking about, what is her life full of? Do you have the time to stop and wonder?

The pause. It’s a split-second decision, choosing to stay there or hustle forward. But I hope you choose it. I hope you embrace the pause.

~Sarah Baker

nothing else matters really- what exactly? the thing that matters to your own unique life…….that’s what matters……..

inquiry for today~   how do you wake up to your life?

for the sacred breath

Awaken to the mystery of being here

and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.

Have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.

Receive encouragement when new frontiers beckon.

Respond to the call of your gift and the courage

to follow its path.

Let the flame of anger free you of all falsity.

May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame.

May anxiety never linger about you.

May your outer dignity mirror

an inner dignity of soul.

Take time to celebrate the quiet miracles

that seek no attention.

Be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul.

May you experience each day

as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder.

~John O’Donohue