What a break with purpose looks like

Another gray, bitter early December day. The sun can’t be seen – locked in with clouds.

A desk and computer overflowing with things that need to be done. And wood and things in the house are calling out for attention before the snows come. Overwhelm. Too much to do in too little time in days of shortening light.

A quick errand outside leads me outside on the path through the woods to where they open up. Across the valley the ridge in Wendell is bathed in golden light – the clouds have opened up for a moment over there and the trees and grass over there look dream like. Right above me a huge red tailed hawk makes looping circles. The pine trees look soft, green and still.

Transformation! All my ‘big’ problems and worries just shrunk in size in the face of this quiet hugeness.

And it only took three minutes. The power of purpose doesn’t just come from connecting with customers. It’s benefits can come from connecting with something larger and calmer than you.

I didn’t think I had time for a break like that. Which of course means that’s when I need a break like that the most. Sometimes that equation helps get me on my feet and moving outside, sometimes it’s not strong enough. But when I can dare to take that pause I’m rewarded almost without fail.

Are you to busy for a purpose break today? Then you know you need one, just like me.