The Art of Pausing
Creating Rest in the Busy
Stress has had a significant impact on Jill's health in years past. As an event coordinator and transportation director, she found herself often working incredibly long days. Evenings, weekends, and holidays, times typically used for rest and relaxation, were her "go-times"; the remaining hours were filled with office work. There were few chances to unwind and recharge. Her physical, emotional, and spiritual health were taking a hit. Journaling was a significant way to process whatever was taking place. It was during this time that she also began writing a thankful list each day and publishing it. A group of young people followed the idea and began eating together, when they could, at what they called "The Happy Table." Jill loved here work. Eventually, though, a change needed to be made. A career change. For health reasons.
Fast forward several years. In April 2016, Jill was working as a nanny for a family with three children, ages 5, 3, and 2. She was also a wife, step-mom, homemaker, and small group leader at her church. Once again, life was busy. Life was draining. But she couldn't just quit being a mom, wife, and homemaker. (Neither did she want to!) So what was the answer? She needed to find small ways to recharge so she could continue to give of herself to the people in her life.
She learned to capture little moments here and there and savor them. Sometimes circumstances only provided a few moments to sip a cup of coffee, reheated for the third for fourth time that morning. Other times, she was able to unwind at the end of a day in a bath. What she learned, though, was that it was these little moments seized that kept her going. She also learned that many people find themselves on the fast-track to being overwhelmed. She wanted to find ways to encourage them to carve out those small moments in their days, too, to recharge.
A Beautiful Pause was born.
Jill's husband, Steve, is the other half of the ABP team. He has been fully supportive throughout the entire journey. He often puts in long nights, early mornings, and arduous days to assist in production, in the shoppe, and at events. He brings a lot of inspiration to the business. He spends a lot of time in research, learning and sharing with Jill about the impacts of rest on the whole person. Together they practice the art of healthy pausing so they can remain fully engaged in life while also growing the business.
Each and every day continues to be a learning experience. Few days are perfect, but each day is lived with passion as they help others find their beautiful pauses so they, too, can Relax. Refresh. Renew.