In Times of the Pause From the DIY Redo
This week has been a time of pause and refresh. If you have missed me…I have been focused on resting this week. Perhaps it was the rain that wiped out my “to do” list for DIY Redo projects; but, none the less, focusing on what is important, taking a step back, viewing life from a balanced perspective is what’s been a part of that time of pause from the DIY mass hysteria over here.
When the rain begin, the landscape trimming, shrub and bush planting, container gardening and reworking that tower garden went on hold. All of those gardening things I have mentioned before. Along with those items went the painting of the porch DIY redo and the back porch screen replacement and painting.
Are you feeling my drift?
There are projects…lots of projects!
I am not sure if you have had projects that began when life changed as we know it a year ago…but, we had a list. A redo list that was long and prioritized and created with our “hands on” approach to redo for the most part.
That list.
It was a start for sure! Then life happened. Things like mold under the house that added a sump pump, encapsulation, insulation, redoing supports and mold treatment to fix the problem. Huge budget hit for sure; but, well worth the investment.
There was a plan for new attic sealing with insulation and redo for issues that needed improvement…all to be delayed by a raccoon who felt like the attic needed to be his or her residence. That resident has been evacuated, but it’s added new changes to that DIY redo project.
That unwanted guest? He created a whole new direction for a front porch remodel. You see, that front porch light that was shattered when he climbed on it on his way to that attic, created a new look and new lighting and cleaning and painting added to that infamous list!
Another round of requests for proposals for bathroom remodels and window replacements began.
Anyone else in this boat with me?
In the middle of that list came new things added to the list…a new project added to the kitchen. a project to complement other projects. Decisions for other areas needed to be made.
Beginning projects everywhere!
And then came Monday.
I have a long fuse and have been told I was a patient teacher, but circumstances of life brought things to an elevated level. I just couldn’t keep it all together!
Does that ever happen to you?
It was at that moment, I knew that I had to pause and get off of that merry go round and step away from the chaos of overwhelming proportion.
A pause in the DIY redo arena for me.
A time to be quiet and still and focus and breathe and think and pray and listen.
It’s sort of like when you were little and jumped out of a moving jump rope and then feeling the rhythm and timing of when it’s best to step back into the game.
So, I just paused.
Took time to find balance. Looked at opportunities to restructure time, focus, prayer and be in the right moment to do whatever needed to be done.
Don’t miss your opportunity for those times, friend. When things begin to unravel and escalate and your world comes tumbling down.
I don’t want you to leap out of that jump rope or merry go round without the ability to do it gracefully and unharmed.
That 2020 unfinished list has done a number on me.
That’s when I stopped for inspiration.
I simply paused to give my brain and heart and thoughts a bit of inspiration with a little bit of interaction and conversation had with friends along the way.
Oh, how I have missed that.
It helped me to pick out paint for a project that needed finishing.
Inspiration was breathed in that gave new joy to work on that list.
In the midst of that quiet time, it gave me focus time to pray for loved ones experiencing loss and illness that I knew needed prayer.
Then on a random Instagram post, I read: “Don’t be afraid of the pause.”
Are you afraid of things you will miss? Maybe afraid of the deadlines or the consequences of pausing? Perhaps, even what others would think about your “pause”. Goodness!
Don’t be afraid of that pause when you need it.
If you are in the middle of the chaos, friend, you may miss things of importance. All of it.
May I challenge you?
- Take time to pause. Whether it’s on DIY projects or life or business or family or chaos or things that distract you–just hit pause.
- Focus on finding balance in your life. Make sure you give yourself time to breathe, pray, read, interact and be present.
- Remind yourself of the things that you learned in 2020 that you don’t want to lose in 2021.
- Make a new list of priorities.
- Extend yourself grace. Lots of grace extended when needed.
- Find joy in the journey. When others need joy for difficult circumstances, pray for them.
- Share your life with others! I am tired of the ZOOM conversations; but, being connected on ZOOM calls or here with you or with face to face interaction is vital for all of us.
- Seek things that complement your design. YOU, friend, are not designed like anyone else! Find what makes you happy and spend time, energy and focus on what brings you happiness. That’s how this blog began for me.
Then would you do something for me?
Share how you are managing the paths and pauses of your life, will you? I love that you have chosen to spend time here with me. But, truthfully, this isn’t a one sided conversation. I would love to hear back from you.
P. S. I found this book on how to handle a pause…I think I pausing must be an artform. Anyone else need help with this?
Perhaps there are others of you who are finding yourself in the place of the PAUSE. Embrace that precious time, friend, when you have time to think…prioritize…pray…focus…and jump back into the game.
Until then, happy pausing. May that pause allow you to happily jump back into the game at the right time!
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24 Comments
Vickie Ramey
“Peace”, not “Pause” was the word I had prayed over you since the last time we talked. But “pause” is absolutely the best word! May you be revived and ready to “resume” soon with a new joy! Can’t wait to see some of those projects completed soon.
Leslie J Watkins
Oh, sweet sister, that pause did provide peace and excitement to jump back into that moving jump rope with a better rhythm and enjoyment for the jumping! Thank you for your prayers. I can’t wait til you are home with feet under my table! THAT will make my heart sooooo happy!
Cindy
Sometimes we do have to pause. I have been there and it has to be done.
Can’t wait to see where you’re using the ASCP. Look forward to new reveals.
Cindy
Leslie J Watkins
I know…just thankful for the pause to refocus on how to navigate the journey. I have never used ASCP! So excited for this project.
Lynn Vogeler
We all need a pause sometimes! The trick is to know when you need to do just that. I’m glad that you, my friend, knew to take the time to reflect and refresh!
Peace!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Lynn. Don’t forget to pause and step back and enjoy this fast paced journey you are on to the finish line of that beautiful wedding. Breathe it all in! I’m cheering you on from here!
Sweetie
Oh dear one, so good to pause, to breath, to simply be. I know it is hard to do but oh so important. Love you and your amazing self. Thank you for keeping it real. ~
Your loyal Ozark fan girl
~Sweetie
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, my sweetie friend, for always being the encourager and supporter.
Paula@SweetPea
We all need to pause from time to time. You have a lot going on!
Leslie J Watkins
I am so thankful to have had the pause this week…it makes tackling that list less overwhelming. Finding joy in the journey while remembering what’s important. You, my friend, have been a part of that pause and prayer this week.
Linda Johnston
Pausing is good for us. it reminds me of the old slogan…the pause that refreshes. Sometimes it needs to be a long pause. Have a good weekend.
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you so much, Linda. The pause was so good for so many areas of my life. I’ll just have to remember when to pause and when to begin again.
Dee
This is so good, Leslie! I felt you in your post. The Lord has paused me so often that sometimes I forget its OK to go! Does that make sense? Regardless of the circumstances, I believe there is rest, it’s necessary. When hard things change the trajectory of what we were doing, or going to do with our resources, whether financial, physical, metal/emotional; I know the call to rest is there. Rest in Him sweet friend. I’m right here with you. Xoxo
Dee
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Dee. The pause and rest are both so important in so many ways. Knowing when to pause, knowing when to rest, and when to begin again is so hard, but so wonderful when we do so. Thanks, as always, for your sweet comments and encouragement. They are greatly appreciated.
elizabeth@pineconesandacorns
Leslie, I would love to take a pause but we set a path in motion and now we are off the the races as they say. I am walking unchartered paths as we have no where to go. I am trying my best to put it all in God’s hands but I will be honest, it is easier said than done. Uncertainty is hard for me. I am happy that you hit pause, it looks as if it was a well deserved rest from this long list of projects. Take care my friend!
Leslie J Watkins
You will have time to pause when you need to. Until God settles all of the uneasiness and uncertain parts, just keep on moving, friend! Praying for that right home for you to appear suddenly! And so beautifully! Then, one day, you will realize that peace in the pause will happen and it becomes so much more appreciated then. Hugs and prayers for your journey, friend!
Regina
Leslie – Lovely post – so real. Thanks for sharing your journey. It is so necessary to pause. I’ve definitely “slowed” my pace since returning to in person at work. I couldn’t do it all and you are so right, you feel like you might miss something when you step back. Looking forward to your “post” pause posts. A really big spice rack or plate rack?
Hugs.
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Regina! And the “what will we miss” is so huge, isn’t it? As for that project…it really has a bit of secrecy to it. It’s almost ready for its great debut!
CoCo
Love this post so much, sweet friend, It’s such a beautiful reminder to give ourselves the gift of calm in the middle of the chaos by taking a pause. I think we all just kept holding on thinking if we could just get to 2021 things would be different and then it got here and it’s a lot of it’s the exact same and some of it is honestly harder than what it was in 2020, you know? Thank you for the challenge list! They’re all totally doable and very practical too. Sending you hugs that this week is better and your to-do list will come together in an unexpected blessing kind of way, CoCo
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you so much! That to do list is always daunting, isn’t it? And, the carryover from 2020 is still ever present. Thank you for joining me here. I love your blog soooo much, my friend!
Melba
What a great post! I take a pause in the late afternoon to appreciate the garden and watch the wildlife. I think it is so important. I am from the TM group and so happy to have found your blog!
Leslie J Watkins
What a wonderful way to pause. My garden and screened porch so help me to pause, too. Thank you for finding me! I’ll have to follow you back and share in all of the fun.
Maria
Oh my you have been busy and have had many curve balls hurled your way! I am so glad to be sitting here reading your story and how you came to pause. I think this is very hard to do so I am so glad to hear your pause story.
I find that when I feel the need or even the want to pause, I feel guilt creeping in. I need to let that go!!!!!!!!!
Thany you so very much for sharing this as I really needed to read it:)
Take care!
Leslie J Watkins
I totally get that guilt feeling, Maria! All of the things I “should” be doing…but, that pause taught me soooo much and gave me a fresh perspective on so many things! I encourage you when you feel the need to step back…and pause…that you pause. You will be glad you did, sweet friend!