November 3 – The Pause
“Never half-ass two things. Whole-ass one thing.” — Ron Swanson, Parks and Recreation
If I had a dollar for every time I doubted God’s plan, I’d be pretty well-off by now. For me, getting past selfishness has never been a breeze—it’s more like needing a crowbar to pry myself loose, especially when there’s more responsibility than feels manageable in the moment.
The Big Book suggests pausing when agitated or doubtful. Sounds simple, but that’s usually when my mind wants to sprint. For me, that’s the hardest time to slow down. Sometimes the best I’ve got is a quick prayer: “God, help me see through my own selfishness so I can see the truth.”
Then comes the pause—the breathing, the waiting, the next right thing, even if it’s small. Protecting that quiet voice inside feels like the most important work I can do today. Without it, I know where I’d end up: right back where I started.
What helps you hit pause before reacting when fear or pride tries to take the wheel?