Time out. We think of it as a punishment for bad behavior in kids. Or as a break from the day to day grind.
But what if we used it in our lives as a way to step away from one aspect of our lives that may be creating a great deal of stress? That gives time out a whole different meaning.
You push, pull and bang your head against the wall over this one area of your life and it appears to get you nowhere. So you try a different approach, using head busting logic to will it to change. No luck there either.
“So now what?” you may ask. The answer, take a time out. (or a sabbatical, if that sounds better to your ears).
Whatever you call it, it should clue your mind into the notion of being put on notice…“We (you and your mind) are no longer thinking or acting on this one aspect of our life right now!”
There doesn’t that feel better all ready? Your shoulders drop down to a normal level, your jaw unclenches and your breathe begins to deepen.
This is where I am right now as I write this post, I have put one aspect of my life on notice and refuse to deal with it until I’m good and ready.
Does that mean I’m in denial?
No, not at all. What it means is I’m tired of going over the same old stuff in my head and getting nowhere, so I’m taking a time out, a step back, a beautiful sabbatical from that aspect of my life.
I haven’t set a time limit because I trust that I will know when the time is right to come back, to gently step back into the edges of this aspect of my life with a new awareness.
And if I decide not to allow this back in my life then at least I stepped away long enough to make a good decision instead of one made in haste or anger.
I know I made this sound a little too easy and it’s not, it requires some patience (with yourself) and a willingness to let go of drama, expectations and lots of head chatter. And your time out may only require an afternoon, a day, a week or it might be like mine, a little longer.
Stop beating yourself up, instead step up and allow yourself the freedom to step away. You might be surprised at the changes you make when you are ready to step back in.
Share this post with a friend who may also need to take a “time out” in their lives.