The Pause Isn’t a To-Do List

What’s good friend! 

I’m curious about something… Are we really pausing right now? Or are we just filling the pause with more things to do and calling it “intention”?

Sometimes we trick ourselves into believing alignment means busyness and that if we’re not producing or checking something off, then we’re not moving with purpose. But intention isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters, in a way that doesn’t leave you drained and burnt out.

This pause we’ve been leaning into? It’s not an invitation to overload your stillness with another list. It’s about breathing. It’s about giving the quiet enough space to show you what may actually be important. And it’s about remembering that your worth has nothing to do with how much you can juggle… it’s rooted in how present and honest you’re willing to be with yourself.

Straight up ask yourself…

• Am I really resting, or just being busy in a different way?

• What feels like noise in this season?

• Where do I need to release pressure and let myself just be?

Can you do me a slight favor? But ONLY if you have the capacity, and it doesn't make you feel like you’re making another to-do list…

This week, I’d like you to check in with someone who’s always “on.” Remind them that it’s okay to rest… that they’re valuable even when they’re not performing, supporting or providing. Sometimes giving someone else permission to pause is the nudge we need to claim it for ourselves. *wink*

Okay… here’s what I’m feeling as I close this out. Taking a pause or even slowing down can be hard for most of us (myself included). Even when we say we’re “resting,” we often feel the need to make it productive, which keeps us from actually getting what we need out of the pause.

But please hear me: slowing down is a sacred strategy.

So I want to offer you a little language shift that’s been helping me. Instead of seeing it as “doing nothing,” start seeing it as creating space, clearing the noise… so you can plant fruitful seeds.

Can I hit you with a quick story time? Ya girl is always on the go, and last week I left my entire work bag five hours away from where I live. Thankfully, family came through and grabbed it for me until I go back to visit, but in the meantime I’ve been stuck using my older computer that moves sooo much slower. And honestly? It forced me to slow down, too.

In my head I’ve had so much to do, but there’s one seed I know I’ve been avoiding planting because I “didn’t have time.” To be honest, I couldn’t even gather my thoughts around it until I was forced to slow down. And the wildest part? I started talking with you about slowing down back on August 3… and here I am, a whole week later, being made to practice what I preach. *bursts out laughing*

People have been asking what’s next from BAF…, and here it is!

BAF’s first-ever Black Art Dinner & Soirée: The Reverie is happening September 4th, and it’s about to be a whole vibe. Think curated fundraising dinner, live music, incredible food, a silent art auction, and more. Basically… your perfect excuse to put that thang on and step out.

Location: Dirty Whiskey Craft Cocktail Bar | 6 PM

Tickets: blackartsoiree.eventbrite.com

Proceeds go to support our Thrive Fund, an emergency fund for black artists in need. Black Artist Forward is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, so every donation is tax deductible and every dollar helps artists keep creating.

Let’s eat, dance, and celebrate the beauty of Black art together.