Honoring the Quiet, Learning a New Pace (Substack Writings)

Something I learn more and more each day is to honor my maturing pacing, timing, and rhythm.

For many years (over twenty), I lived in a constant state of motion. I had a demanding career in the military, one that placed me in highly challenging, sometimes traumatic circumstances. At times, I even volunteered for them. I’ve always appreciated a good challenge; it stretches me, helps me grow, and I love that fire within me.

What I rarely allowed myself, though, was rest.

I was always working, either on my career or on myself. Healing, growing, evolving. I was a workaholic in every sense, even in transformation. And while that kind of work ethic is often praised in our society, it comes at a cost. That cost is burnout (and disconnection) — sometimes severe.

The burnout I experienced eventually led to something even more difficult: stagnation. I had no spark and no energy left to move, and so I stopped moving altogether — emotionally, physically, spiritually.

Now, after being retired from the military for four years, I’ve broken through that burnout, disconnection and stagnation. I find myself in a precious kind of quiet. A sweet, soft, deeply earned space. A space where I can simply be.

Even as my constellation of dreams and ongoing projects beckon me with excitement, I’m honoring this interim stillness. I’m holding it with appreciation and gratitude, not only for the journey itself, but for the effort it took to arrive here.

And I’m realizing something else now, too. Surprisingly, I’m ready for more. Not more in the way I once chased it, but more in a way I can actually receive wholeheartedly. This quieter pace has given me capacity I didn’t have before — space, energy, clarity. Even moving more slowly, I find I’m able to dream bigger. And I can put my energy towards more of what I’ve always wanted. More of what truly matters.

This is the pace, timing and rhythm I honor now.

The go-getter energy still lives within me. I have many dreams yet to fulfill and projects to lead and create and adventures to have. But now, that energy is tempered — by wisdom, by discernment, and by an intentionality I didn’t have before. What a gift.

As always, in gratitude for the journey. ❤ ~ C

For those who want to know a bit more about my journey, you can read my full bio here.