Why Is It so Difficult to Take Time to Pause?

Life is hectic, wouldn’t you agree? Some days I find myself overwhelmed from living with pulmonary hypertension and other coexisting medical issues. More days than not, I am inundated with emotions.

But anyone living in today’s busy world can feel this way, too. We are often told how to multitask and how to accomplish the things on our to-do lists. I see a trend permeating the news and social media of how to do more on less sleep. It’s no wonder so many of us have a tough time stopping for a minute to pause and regroup.

Taking time to pause is difficult for me. Because of my diseases, I feel a need to work harder on my good days to validate my being. I also have this idea that I must make up for the lost time from my bad days.

I came across an awesome column by my friend Brad Dell, who lives with cystic fibrosis. Since his double-lung transplant, Brad has attempted to make up for lost time. I cannot fathom the emotions he felt as he checked off items on his to-do list. He sums it up well: “Today, 37 months after my lung transplant, I think I’ve made up for 23 years of missed experiences.”

Brad has an enormous heart full of love for life and others. After I read his column, I talked with him about trying to find ways to stop and pause. Although our scenarios are different, I can relate to him. I have dreams of running or climbing up an enormous flight of stairs with no shortness of breath. Do y’all experience similar dreams?

Taking time to pause may mean I sit on my back deck that overlooks the pool. I love to do this on beautiful sunny days. I listen to the birds chirp their tunes. I admire the vitality of the squirrels and the beauty of the butterflies. It’s refreshing. The serenity of nature can offer a much-needed break from my hectic and busy life. People tend to think that I am taking time to pause when I stay in my pajamas all day. That may be true sometimes, but more often than not pajama days are when I am not feeling my best. I take it slower those days, but not by choice.

Taking time to pause and soak in the beauty that God created is valuable. I know it is a cliché, but stopping to smell the roses is something we all can work on. If it is not roses, maybe it’s gardenias, lilies, or lilacs. Remembering to take time to appreciate the small and simple things in my life and remaining grateful is something that I attempt even on the most difficult days.

It is OK not to be OK, and in those moments we need to stop and pause more often. When you find yourself getting caught up with the busy world, take time to pause. You deserve it and it will increase your overall well-being.

What are some of the ways you take the time to pause? Please share your ideas in the comments below.

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Note: Pulmonary Hypertension News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Hypertension News or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary hypertension.