30 Days of Pausing in the New Year

Learn more about The Power of Pause and check out the Extras tab.

Pausing in the New Year #1
You have to know where you are before you can know where you are going. Start off your 30 days of pause by taking the Taking Your Spiritual Pulse to determine how much you are currently pausing.

Pausing in the New Year #2
Buy a small notebook. Each day this week, make at least one notation in it that starts, "I never noticed..."

Pausing in the New Year #3
Go to your garage. Find something that you have moved at least three times. Give it away—to a friend, St. Vincent de Paul, or the charity of your choice.

Pausing in the New Year #4
Write a letter to someone you love. With real paper, pen, envelope, and stamp.

Pausing in the New Year #5
Grab a box of crayons. If you feel overwhelmed at any point today sit down for a 10-minute coloring break.

Pausing in the New Year #6
Click on the video below or this link to watch a brief video for today's pause.

Pausing in the New Year #7
For today, give up your cell phone, email, and internet.

Pausing in the New Year #8
Write a poem about clouds or the ocean or anything that makes you smile.

Pausing in the New Year #9
Buy a bouquet of fresh flowers for your desk or home, and take time to arrange them yourself.

Pausing in the New Year #10
Put a Hershey's Kiss on every coworker's desk or on each family member's pillow close to bedtime.

Pausing in the New Year #11
Try the Jewish practice of praying after a meal, instead of before.

Pausing in the New Year #12
Click on the video below or this link to watch a brief video for today's pause.

Pausing in the New Year #13

Set your cell-phone alarm to go off every few hours. When it does, stop what you are doing and think of something for which you are grateful. Tell people that this is your gratitude alarm.

Pausing in the New Year #14
Eat your evening meal by candlelight.

Pausing in the New Year #15
Sit still and watch the sun set.

Pausing in the New Year #16
Take a new route as you commute to work or run errands. Notice what is new or different.

Pausing in the New Year #17
There are over 10,000 named saints. Pick an obscure one and learn one fact that makes you smile or gives you hope.

Pausing in the New Year #18
Click on the image below or this link to watch a brief video for today's pause.

Pausing in the New Year #19
If you work at a desk, before you turn on your computer or read any documents in the "in-box," sit for 60 seconds with your eyes closed in silence. Breathe in deeply, then exhale. As you breathe, pray "Lord, help me move slowly through this day."

Pausing in the New Year #20
Reread one of your favorite children's books.

Pausing in the New Year #21
Give a flower to someone who had a tough week.

Pausing in the New Year #22
Make a 3" x 5" card that says "Thanks for being you" and give it to someone you encounter during the day.

Pausing in the New Year #23
Click on the video or this link to watch a brief video for today's pause.

Pausing in the New Year #24
Have a gratitude day at work (or in your family). Draw names. Each person writes a short ntoe of gratitude to the person whose name he/she has selected.

Pausing in the New Year #25
Pick a favorite Psalm. Begin your day (in office or at home) by reading the Psalm aloud.

Pausing in the New Year #26
Use your cell phone to take a photo of an ordinary event (person, plant, part of nature) that made you smile. Use it as your screen saver for the next day.

Pausing in the New Year #27
At some point during the day, find a room where you can close the door for five minutes, and hang a sign on the door that says, "I'm closed now." Use the time to listen to music that soothes and calms.

Pausing in the New Year #28
Click on the video or this link to watch a brief video for today's pause.

Pausing in the New Year #29
Memorize a new prayer and start your day with it.

Pausing in the New Year #30
Make a list of new things in your life from the past 30 days for which you are grateful.