The Hamster Wheel.

by Heather Durenberger, Tastemaker in Residence

Heather's been on a short hiatus to write her new book - drumroll please!

Check out this excerpt...a reminder to pause during this busiest of seasons.

In our world of super-size, super-speed and super-ficial, I would like to offer you the chance to pause. Not many people choose to stop on their own. The reason we stop is because of physical or emotional pain. Resting is usually due to illness or loss. This is an open invitation for you to stop without the pain, loss or heartache.

For many of us the world is on automatic. We continue to do as many of those before us have done. We keep going through the same routines, same motions, and same old lives because that is what we expect and know—and because it is ex-pected of us. It’s the “we’ve always done it that way” kind of thinking.

But here is the deal. We are each uniquely made to do something very special... something that cannot be done like everyone else... something that requires attention... something that speaks to your heart and soul... something that requires you to step off your hamster wheel.

Make and take time to see where you are. Take time to remember where you wanted to be. Then life for you will change—you will change. So I invite you to pause, breathe and begin to be.

I know this is a process. For me it literally took years, so I get it. I believe in baby steps, so maybe you can begin by pausing three minutes a day. Take three minutes to stop and breathe deeply. Take three minutes to remind yourself of who you are and who you hope to be.

I invite you to pause and see what happens.