The Power of the Pause

July looked a little different for me this year. I gave myself permission to step away, recharge, and breathe. As someone who is passionate about purpose, leadership, and growth, I know how easy it is to get caught up in constantly producing, serving, and creating. This month, I chose rest.

I took a sabbatical to be present with my family, nurture my personal well-being, and step back from the constant rhythm of content creation. I discovered that sometimes the most productive thing you can do is pause.

Why Rest Matters

We live in a culture that celebrates hustle and constant motion. The truth is, sustainable success requires space to reset. Rest allows us to:

• Refocus on what truly matters

• Reignite our creativity and passion

• Reconnect with the people and priorities that give our work meaning

Stepping away gave me clarity. It reminded me that my value is not defined by how much I produce. It is grounded in who I am, what I believe, and how I show up for the people I serve.

Family First

During this sabbatical, I soaked up time with the people who matter most. Family vacation, laughter, and unhurried conversations reminded me why I do what I do. Success means very little if we lose sight of the relationships that make life meaningful.

Creating From a Full Cup

My mentor, Dr. Dora Washington once said to me, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

I am reminded of that when I am feeling drained and exhausted. It is easy to end up running on empty when you have a the mindset to serve. Taking this intentional pause has given me the energy, creativity, and vision to come back stronger. I feel ready to serve, lead, and inspire from a place of fullness.

Moving Forward

As I step into the second half of the year, I am carrying this lesson with me: rest is not a reward; it is a requirement.

If you have been running on fumes, consider this your gentle reminder to take a break. Your future self and everyone around you will thank you.

When we pause, we gain the clarity and strength we need to pursue purpose with renewed passion.