Last night, we saw the Hawaiian Children’s Theater perform the musical “Newsies.” We watched 50+ actors, ages 10 and up sing and dance and tell the story of the Newsboys’ strike of 1899. It was amazing. I am always amazed when I go to theater on this small Island. It is really good.

I was grateful to go last night. About 1pm yesterday afternoon, I had realized that I was ready for some time out. I’d been working hard for the past week, not really taking a break. Even on our trip to New Mexico, I was in high gear. Finally, I just said, okay I’m turning it all off and resting. I meant really resting, not just words, but really turning off everything from doing to thinking about doing. I needed a moment of refreshment.

I will take this a step forward for all of us who are inundated with news and daily stress. Is it possible to just take a break? What does that look like? For me, it is moving into the space of self-care, accepting the fact that there is nothing I can do to make things go faster, change in this moment or fix. It’s okay to just take a moment of peace and quiet.

In fact, I think more is done in those moments because we let go and surrender the doing. There is a Power greater than our doing that will move the things that we have set into play into manifestation, if we, for just a moment can let go. I think sometimes (I’m speaking for myself) we force the outcomes we are working on. We think if we will just spend more time trying to figure them out or make that one more phone call, somehow we will get it done more quickly and efficiently.

Yesterday, I proved that wasn’t true. I took the time. This morning when I woke up, the same tasks are here, but my attitude about them is different. I have more focus, peace of mind and energy to work with them instead of pushing them to a conclusion.

Everything gets done in the perfect time. It’s because, really, time and space our made up by us. Have you ever slowed time down? I’ve done it by being in the moment and taking my life one step at a time.

I’m grateful for the nudge to stop yesterday. Not only did I have a great afternoon and evening, I’m in an excellent space to enjoy today and everything that it holds for me to do.

Love and Aloha,

Rev. Rita