There’s Power in the Pause

Expect the Unexpected

Sometimes life forces us to slow down in ways we don’t expect, offering us moments of stillness that help us reflect, recharge, and appreciate the present. But have you ever thought about how these pauses—whether forced or intentional—can be some of the most valuable moments we experience?

Has this ever happened to you? The power goes out, and suddenly, everything stops. You’re left in the dark, unsure of when things will get moving again. Right now, that’s my reality—for the third time in three weeks, no less. We’ve been through two storms, two hurricanes, and yet, here we are again, waiting. And in this unexpected pause, I can’t help but think about my dad Paul’s favorite piece of advice: expect the unexpected.

You know what I mean, right? When you’re young, a phrase like that feels action-packed. It makes you curious about the future, always looking ahead, wondering what surprise might be waiting around the corner. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized something else—expecting the unexpected can also mean slowing down. It can mean a pause, a moment when life asks you to stop, reflect, and just be. It’s a shift in timing, a detour you didn’t see coming, but one that offers you something precious: the chance to savor the moment.

The Wisdom in the Wait

I bet you’ve been there too. When you’re in the thick of things, always moving, always pushing forward, it’s hard to see the value in slowing down. My dad’s words used to inspire this sense of anticipation in me—what’s next, what’s around the corner? But now, I see that expect the unexpected is also about embracing the pauses that life gives us. The moments when things don’t go as planned, when the power goes out, or when the world asks you to take a breath and just wait.

I’ve learned that these pauses, whether forced or intentional, are where we find wisdom. It’s in the stillness that we can recalibrate, take stock, and truly appreciate where we are. And honestly, that’s where gratitude starts to grow. When the lights are out, when the hustle of everyday life is put on hold, it’s a reminder to appreciate the small, quiet moments that usually get lost in the rush.

Savoring the Journey

You know that feeling when you sit with your morning coffee, watching the sunrise, and just let the day unfold slowly? There’s something magical about not rushing into it, about letting yourself appreciate the quiet before everything begins. That’s what these unexpected pauses feel like to me now. They’ve taught me to slow down, to savor the journey instead of always chasing the next goal, the next achievement.

It’s funny—my dad’s advice still rings true, but in a whole new way. Expecting the unexpected doesn’t just mean being ready for action; it means being ready to pause, to shift gears, and to appreciate the moment you’re in. And when we do that, we get to see the beauty of where we are, not just where we’re headed.

Okay, Let’s Play

Here’s how you can start to embrace the power of the pause in your own life. Just like any skill, it takes practice, but these moments of stillness can give you the clarity and energy to move forward with even greater purpose.

Ready: Life has a way of forcing us to pause, and often, those pauses hold more power than we realize.

Set: Whether it’s an unexpected power outage or a quiet moment you create for yourself, these pauses give us space to reflect and reset.

Go: Let’s talk about how you can intentionally invite more pauses into your life and leadership:

• Step outside for a breath of fresh air when things feel overwhelming. A short pause can make a big difference. 
• Before jumping into a meeting or project, pause to gather your thoughts. A clear mind leads to better outcomes.
  
• Schedule time for reflection at the end of your day. Think about what went well and where you can improve.
  
• Start your day with gratitude. Pause over your morning coffee, reflect on what you’re thankful for, and set a positive tone for the day.
  

Your Call to Action: Slow Down to Speed Up

In a world that’s always rushing, always demanding more from us, it can feel counterintuitive to slow down. But here’s the thing—when we build pauses into our lives, we not only recharge ourselves, but we also become better leaders, more thoughtful decision-makers, and more present with the people around us. The unexpected isn’t always a storm; sometimes, it’s a gift, a lifeline to help us appreciate the present moment.

Slowing down can actually help you move forward faster when the time comes. By creating intentional pauses, you’re setting yourself up for greater clarity and energy when it’s time to go again. So, how can you invite more stillness into your life? When you give yourself permission to slow down, you might just find that the brightest future is one built on balance, reflection, and a deep appreciation for the journey.

---


Hey there! I’m Blair Bloomston, author of UPLIFTED WEEKLY and your friendly consultant, facilitator, and game-based educator on-call, bringing a passion and penchant for all things play (I’m also alliteratively all-in). As the founder of Leaders Uplifted, I help leaders like you tap into creativity, connection, and confidence to make work feel less like a grind and more like a game. Keep reading with me— I’m here to be your business best friend. Let's go!