The power of the pause is a transformative practice that can change your life in profound ways. Today, on the Summer Solstice, let’s delve into how pausing, reflecting and shifting can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
Embracing the Power of the Pause
A Message of Reflection and Change
I received an inspiring email from Amber Kuileimailani Bonnici, an artist who went through the same Intentional Creativity Color of Woman certification program as I did several years ago. Her message beautifully encapsulated the essence of the power of the pause:
“I need space.
Space to pause, to reflect on what I learned through my mistakes, through my failures, and to make choices to do things differently.
Space to reflect on what was going right, what inspired and motivated me to change.
I need space to integrate, to evolve, to EXPAND into the new me.
There is power in the pause,
In the reflection,
In noticing our patterns and shifting them.”
Her words deeply resonated with me, especially the need to take a moment to pause and reflect on our lives. This practice allows us the precious time to examine our life, notice what works and what’s broken, discover where our heart sings and where it’s been silenced, discern what we’ve outgrown and what it’s time to learn, reflect on what is finally ready to be healed and the expiration date on items to be released.
Importantly, this time allows us to integrate what we’ve learned in meaningful ways, expand our capacity and intentionally commit to our next course of action.
The Benefits of Pausing and Reflecting
Here’s a key benefit from this practice: When you shift from within, the external world starts to change in desirable ways.
However, there’s an even greater play at work: the ability to find internal fulfillment regardless of the external circumstances.
The ability to find inner peace and sovereignty of self.
My Personal Journey with the Power of the Pause
Overcoming a Life Crisis
In 2010, I experienced a soul-crushing divorce. I was deeply unhappy with my business and had no joy in my life. It was a tumultuous time and I even considered selling my business. However, stepping into personal development work marked a turning point.
Transformative Practices
Through personal development, I learned to connect with myself, discover my core identity and engage in daily meditation practices that accessed my deepest wisdom. These practices taught me the power of the pause—how to pause, reflect, shift, heal patterns that no longer worked for me and integrate the discoveries into my life in meaningful ways.
This inner work led to significant changes in my external life.
Creating the Life You Desire
Internal Shifts Lead to External Changes
The business I once hated transformed into something I loved again, not because the business changed, but because I did. My perspective and approach to life shifted. I found fulfillment from within, regardless of the outside circumstances, which allowed me to first imagine and then create the life I desired. I moved to my dream location, Napa, and became an artist, coach, and retreat facilitator.
The point of the story is all of the external shifts came only after I had the internal shifts. And the internal shifts came from the power of the pause with soulful reflection and connection to myself.
Finding Your Answers through the Power of Pause
If you’re seeking answers to big life questions, start with the power of the pause, add deep (and honest) reflection and only then, follow it up with brave, aligned action.
If you’re ready for deeper work, the Clarity Compass takes you through the process I created from my own experience.
If you’re ready to create more meaning in your life and shift your external life by working on your internal, my Clarity Compass is a transformative process that will help you:
- Gain clarity around your life direction
- Begin the vision of what’s possible in your life
- Identify the gaps that have kept you from achieving it
- Discover 3 habits you need to develop to bring your vision to life
- Identify the habits you need to eliminate to align with your vision
- Define what success looks like to you
- Pinpoint 3 changes to usher in your vision
- Receive resources and recommendations based on your goals
- Release your limitations
- Experience a taste of freedom
This program includes a comprehensive life assessment followed up with an in-depth coaching session with me where we chart your course towards a more meaningful and authentic path. For more information, check out the program details: Clarity Compass
Embrace the power of the pause to change your life from the inside out. Take the time to reflect, connect, notice, shift, integrate, expand and grow. When you grow from the inside out, life will always rise up to greet you.
- Will the Real Joan Jakel Please Stand Up! - March 23, 2026
- What It’s Really Like to Work With a Coach - March 15, 2026
- The Hidden Cost of Lack of Clarity - March 1, 2026


