Your Next #CoffeeBreakStory!
While you might think writers are generally writing for others, I think there are many times we are actually writing for ourselves. Unless it’s an appliance manual or some other dry instructional pamphlet … though someone’s gotta write those (just not me!)
But when we write from the heart, we write what we feel compelled to share. We write what flows from our souls and top-of-mind. And while our content may resonate, reassure or uplift someone else, most times, it’s often what we ourselves need to hear! That’s what makes writing so personal.
Yet sometimes, the impetus fades. Enthusiasm wanes. Clarity blurs. A pause is needed as we wonder, “Now what?“
… … …
Which is the prompt for today’s #CoffeeBreakStory. I find myself at this very crossroads again. It’s a mashup of discomfort, revelation and relief! Yet with a very definite overlay of “okay, fine–but what’s next?”
Don’t get me wrong: No one is coming to tell me what to do! I firmly believe our next move is entirely up to us. I’m just not quite sure what that is for me. I feel like the last couple years have been an exercise in figuring out what it isn’t going to be! Which is extremely valuable intel, no?
But after several occasions of thinking I found it … or I was found … Nope, not quite yet!
So for now, I’m on pause with writing on Medium, the platform I talked about in the kickoff to #CoffeeBreakStories over here.
Although I’ve been known to slip out of social events when I’m not feeling the vibe, it felt properly adult to announce to my Medium followers that I’m taking a hiatus.
Got your beverage of choice refilled? Here’s the story I shared there:

A Personal Journey Continues...
A gentle bend in my road beckons … time to veer away for a bit and go check it out!
Sometimes, it’s just time to hang somewhere else
When your heart lets you know, you know. And mine has been tugging at my sleeve lately for my full attention.
Heart: “Pssst! Hey, you!”
Me: “In a minute—I’m driving.”
Heart: “I know, but it’s time to slow down.”
Me: “I don’t have time for that!”
Heart: “Ummm, you don’t have time not to!”
Me: “But I have to keep going or I won’t get there!”
Heart+Mind+Soul: “Are you sure you know where There is? We don’t think so… Stop!” 🛑
Me: “Fine, fine! Y’all happy now?” (*secretly relieved)
Where I Want To Be is currently being examined. The middle of the year is a good time to reflect and reassess. Maybe my direction will change. Maybe not. But now that Introspection accepted my invitation last week, I’m already sensing that my route will be recalculating.
So stepping back from here is also part of the deal.
The way I’m wired, I have to dial down outside voices to land on my next step. Otherwise, it’s a distracting cacophony competing with the little voice inside!😜
Each one of us has an individual journey to complete.
Only we should set the course, or else we give our power away.
It may seem logical to do what everyone else is doing or to go where everyone else is going. Or even to heed what you’re urged to do next.
But does your heart agree? Does it expand your soul? Did you stop and ask?
Pause and pivot as needed, on your way to expanding and expressing your best self.🌟
And wherever you are, I wish you well! Until we meet again….👋

The Wrap On The Next Chapter
When things feel like a grind, it’s a good sign that it’s time to slow down and even pause for a bit.
Whoever gets a map with a direct route from Point A, The Dream, to Point B, The Achievement? Anybody? 👎 Didn’t think so!
What brings us joy and fulfillment can and will evolve over time. Don’t be afraid to shift when your intuition nudges you to check out a different path.
I’m feeling that way with Medium (and perhaps with social media in general!) So a couple of upcoming trips will be the perfect time to figure things out.
Meanwhile, I’ll still be here weekly— I hope you’ll join me, too! 😊
~~~~~
Oh, and when you have six extra minutes (a two-cup coffee break) , do listen 🎧 to this Ted Talk brilliantly delivered by (gulp) a 16-year old! Hey, I’m willing to consider wisdom from some surprising resources. Halle shares some very compelling reminders about life journeys.

A New Life Chapter | My Personal Journey Continues
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