This necklace was a gift from a dear friend and today I was not wearing it, but I often do. I had a customer ask me where my “gold necklace with the lines on it” was this morning and that she had seen it on me and had to Google it to see what it meant. It made me smile to realize something so small was noticed. It means “pause”.

Often we are battling with something – kids, coworkers, schedules, obligations, deadlines – when all we want to do is rest and regain our peace and strength. We want to be able to breathe and sometimes it’s hard. We want to be creative, but life is interfering and it gets harder to breathe. If you pause the crazy to just breathe, let your chest rise and fall, close your eyes for a minute and give yourself grace, it will become clear that the small battles aren’t important and don’t define you. Everything isn’t black and white. It’s ok to skip a meeting so you can stitch or take a class or do something for you, even if it’s as simple as a well-deserved nap or a slow stroll through the aisles of Hobby Lobby. The world will not end if you pause.

It’s a hard concept, and every time I wear this necklace, I find myself trying to make a conscious effort to pause. In the midst of your battles, whatever they may be, find time to pause. Always try to understand that everyone we meet has their own battles to fight, insecurities to face, loves to contend and goals to attain, and that a moment of pause for a simple display of kindness and grace, will help the world be a gentler place. Be kind to each other, and especially to yourself.

Pause. Breathe. Stitch. Repeat.

Love, K