Hitting the Pause Button + Finding Your Way Back to Your Passions

Well hello, it’s been a hot minute and I thought it would be fun to share a motivation Monday post because it’s been wayyyy too long! Today’s post is all about hitting the pause button + finding your way back to your passions. I’m sharing my experience as well as a life update that coincides with this very topic.

Running on Empty

Too often we find ourselves running ragged, working hard for the next thing. Whether that be a job promotion, a new house, new car, new certification to add to the resume – there is always something we “could” be doing and a milestone to achieve.

I know what working hard feels like and looks like. I did it for many years and guess what? I totally burned myself out. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for pursing your dreams, passions and have always fostered a solid work ethic. But I realized having a quality life is about finding a balance. It’s OK and necessary to hit the {pause button} on some of the things that you’ve been thinking about and working on. Have you ever thought of hitting the pause button? What would the trade-off be and would it be worth it?

Hitting the Pause Button

Over the course of many years of my life I have found myself having to hit the pause button several times. Sometimes out of pure necessity and other times for my sanity. When I was in grad school while working full time and having my daughters I didn’t have the time or energy to pursue my passion for design. I had to put that creative part of me on {pause}. It wasn’t until I was finishing my dissertation that I found my way back to my passion for design. I designed our kitchen, shared it on Instagram and began my blogging journey and business. I came to the realization that I could live out both of my passions: nursing and design. Hitting the pause button in life gives you an opportunity to take a moment to prioritize, reflect, regroup and redirect.

My Recent Pause

My most recent pause happened when I took a break from sharing consistently on the blog and daily on Instagram since our recent move. After the world came to a screeching halt during the pandemic and day to day life changed before our eyes I felt very unmotivated to share the way I used to share on social media. Life was different for so many people – there was so much loss, suffering and sadness. It was a weird, strange and stressful time for everyone.

I knew I only had so much time in the day to accomplish what I needed to do. I was eager to teach as much as I could. I wanted to contribute to my nursing profession in a meaningful way. I was excited to send the next generation of nurses on their way feeling empowered, knowing they were going to make a difference. My pause from my running my blogging business at full speed gave me a break from feeling pulled in a million directions. It also gave me the gift of time with my family. I knew someday I would get back to my passion for design and sharing to inspire others.

Change is Hard

Pausing can create change. And change can spark a loss of motivation. Loosing motivation isn’t always a bad thing and it can happen often. I’ve learned that transitions and changes in life don’t always feel natural and don’t come easy. As much as I like to believe I’m an adaptable person I still struggle with change. Like starting a new job, moving to a new state or changes in your relationships with friends and family. It’s not easy and it takes time. That’s why hitting the pause button in life is so crucial sometimes.

For so long I juggled wearing many different hats, continually adapting to life. This juggling act always left me feeling fulfilled yet at the same time as though I was running on fumes. I felt the dreaded mom guilt if I ever took time for myself. And I developed a habit of thriving with a million things on my plate. There was little time for me, for extended reflection – rather just hustle, and go, go, go. As I have settled into a new routine I’m realizing how much I needed this change. I’m learning that a pause in one area of life no matter what stage or season of can be good and just what your soul needs.

Gaining New Perspectives

When things shift in life in gives you an opportunity to gain valuable perspective. Taking pauses will do this. A new perspective can feel uncomfortable at times. While I took my recent pause I wondered, what’s next for my business (the IG algorithim is killing me – ha!). Will I ever want to go back to nursing someday? How do I continue to feel fulfilled in my new role as stay at home mom while running a small business? This is the uncomfortable part of taking an extended pause. The what’s next phase when you want to come back and make adjustments to your life that become the norm. It’s tough and challenging.

Finding You Way Back to Your Passions

Putting any area of life on pause can be scary. We may worry that we will lose our way and never make it back. We fear we will lose our skills, our passions, our zest for the daily grind. I have found myself slowly finding my way back. Not at the pace I used to be but dipping my toes back into my business slowly. I started a monthly newsletter to connect with all of you and took the pressure off of sharing daily on social media. I continue to be selective about brand collaborations and partnerships. I’m finding my way back to my love for capturing beautiful moments and styling decor for the seasons.

I made a decision to resign from my teaching position because it was time for me to close that chapter. I have considered many times heading back to the classroom and clinical setting someday to teach nursing or to use my nursing experience and degrees in a different way. And as far as my creative/design side I even considered expanding my design passions to others for their home projects. But after this recent pause and reflection I realized that none of these options are the right fit for me for now. But maybe someday.

Doing what you want to do, not what you think you should do

During this time of reflection I’ve come to realize that I will always be proud of my work as a nurse. And the hard work and dedication I put forth earning each and every degree (BSN, MSN, and PhD). I’m proud that I pursued my passions even though they are very different. And I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished in both areas of my life.

Nevertheless, holding the title of {mom} to my girls will supersede any degree or accomplishment. I’ve come to realize as I spend more time at home with my girls and husband that they needed me more than I ever thought they did. Not in a needy or dependent way but in a way that helps our family to operate at its best. Knowing that I have the ability to be there for them now in this stage of life is everything to me. Getting to this point wasn’t easy and I’m truly grateful for this opportunity.

Evolve + Inspire

I’ll be sharing what I love in my newsletters and on social media. My nurse brain is always on and ready. No one can ever take away all the my hard earned degrees and wisdom and viewpoints I gained in the process. I’ll always love educating others. I have the best memories caring for children, babies and families. And working with my nursing colleagues and time spent teaching my amazing students. But my most important priority that I will cherish right now is being present and available to my girls, husband, family and taking care of myself.

Making family time a priority and enjoying being home getting back to what I love. Photography, cooking, making our house cozy, welcoming, styling and decorating. I love volunteering at my girls’ school, being able to take them to all of their activities, spending time with Dion and my parents, working out consistently and making friend/girl time a priority. These are just a few of the things I will continue to covet and cherish. I cherish them because I can give my 100% attention and not a part of me like I had in the past.

Finding Yourself Again

I’ve also come to realize that I don’t need to work in a formalized role, position or for a company to feel like I’m enough or to feel like I’m doing something that makes me feel worthy to myself or others. I can be mom, wife and run my business and that is more than enough! And I can fill my bucket with the things that make me happy and make me feel fulfilled. I’m continuing to evolve on this journey and I hope to inspire you to do the same.

I hope this motivation Monday post encourages and reminds you that you aren’t alone finding your way back to what you are passionate about in life! Taking a pause whether it’s a day or an extended hiatus can be so worth it. Make time to re-evaluate what’s best for you and your family. Because don’t you deserve that?! I think you do!

Beth