A weekend pause

There are long pauses such as the world being on pause for about three months of lockdown.

There are also micro-pauses such as when we think of something to say when listening to someone else, then check ourselves and remember the maxim from Stephen Covey of “listen with the intent to understand, not to reply”.

Right now I am on a “weekend pause”. I have several really significant, positive and exciting changes about to happen personally and professionally, however none of them will take place this weekend.

I went for a three hour bike ride with a friend early this Saturday morning, then sat down to write today’s post, knowing I have no plans for the rest of the weekend. None, a luxury I know.

As I sat down a glitch in the Matrix has me locked out of the site on my computer, so this post comes from me pecking into my phone. A reminder to pause more, perhaps ?

As I pause, I recognise dissonant feelings:

• Excitement. Yes, inside I feel like a bouncy Tigger, excited for what is to come very soon
• Impatience. One of my strengths is to act decisively and effectively once a choice is made and a decision clear. Right now though the wish to act and the inability to do so right away has me a little inpatient.
• Grateful. All of the things about to happen are wonderful and so I am grateful
• Present. As Ferris Bueller said: “life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

In short, feeling very much aware of where I am in this moment.

So how does this link to #OpenLeadership?

I work with elite leaders who are extremely capable and can achieve an enormous amount in their time. One of the key areas I support them with is to slow down (ironic, huh?), to listen, to bring awareness, then to consider options and act from that place.

With that, in this moment and from my own awareness, I will post this and then chill ?