Respite: A short interval of rest or relief

Pause, breathe, smile!

“The brain gives the heart its sight.
The heart gives the brain its vision.”
– Rob Kall

Wherever we are in our journey through life, we might ponder the difference between sight and vision; brain and heart. Our brains have helped us get as far as we have in our responsibilities and, yet, it is most probably the heart that has maintained our stamina and enabled us to continue moving through struggles and challenges that came our way.

The thing about hearts and brains though is they need rest to sustain themselves. So wherever we are, the hope is that we can take some time in the next few days to “pause…breathe…smile.”

Remembering a wonderful moment in one’s life and stopping for a few moments to replay it over and over, in as much detail as possible, hopefully brings a smile to one’s face that can linger no matter how many obligations must be attended to.

Stopping to smile and feel pleasure is not a waste of time, but in fact, helps precious brains and hearts stay healthy and intact, bringing an awareness that enjoyment is always possible even in the darkest of places.
– Connie Popp

Dr. Connie PoppDr. Connie Popp is a board member for The Center for Life Transitions as well as an active facilitator for the Center’s Life-SHIFT and Job Search Courage programs. She is also the Director of Campus Ministry at Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Read more.