As the holidays approached, I had the best intentions. I told myself, This year, it’s going to be meaningful and intentional. I’ll keep things simple. 

But the season swept me up like a whirlwind. My calendar overflowed with events, to-do lists, and obligations. It wasn’t long before I was overcommitted, overwhelmed, and completely out of alignment with the calm, loving presence I wanted to be.

I was irritable, short-tempered, and exhausted. And then, to top it all off, I got sick.

Sitting there with my tissue box and tea, I caught myself spiraling into blame and frustration. But something clicked. I realized I was falling into the exact trap I’d written about in my book. 

Isn’t it funny how life makes us practice what we preach?

That’s when I remembered one of the tools I teach: Notice. Pause. Choose again.

Reclaiming Your Power with Three Simple Steps

The holidays might be over, but life is full of moments that push us out of alignment—moments when we feel reactive, disconnected, or just off. The good news? You don’t have to stay stuck. You always have the power to choose again.

Here’s how:

1. Notice

The first step is to notice when you’re out of alignment. This requires awareness, which is why mindfulness is so powerful. When I was rushing around during the holidays, I wasn’t noticing how depleted I felt. But sitting there with my tea, I finally paused long enough to feel it.

Ask yourself: How do I feel right now? Am I aligned with how I want to show up in the world?

2. Pause

Once you notice, give yourself permission to pause. In this space, you step out of autopilot and into possibility. This might mean taking six deep breaths, stepping outside, or simply sitting quietly for a moment. Pausing is where the magic happens because it interrupts the cycle of reactivity.

For me, pausing meant saying no to the rest of the holiday chaos. I cleared my calendar, put work on hold, and focused on being present with my kids.

3. Choose Again

Here’s where the power lies: you get to choose a new action, a new belief, or a new way of being. You’re not stuck in old patterns unless you choose to stay there.

I chose to let go of perfection and embrace connection. I chose to play with my kids instead of trying to check one more thing off my to-do list. I chose presence over pressure.

Ask yourself: What choice would align me with my higher self? What would feel true to my heart?

An Invitation to Pause

You don’t have to wait for the holidays or a crisis to put this practice into action. Start small. The next time you feel overwhelmed, reactive, or off, try this:

1. Notice how you feel.

2. Pause and breathe.

3. Choose a new action or belief that aligns with your heart.

It’s simple but powerful. And the best part? Every time you practice, you strengthen your ability to live in alignment with your true self.

A Final Thought

Life is full of moments that challenge us, but each one is an opportunity to come back to presence. You don’t have to stay stuck. You can notice, pause, and choose again—right now.

If this resonates with you, I invite you to dive deeper by listening to Episode 212 of the Mindful Pause Podcast, “The Power of Choice.” Together, we’ll explore how to reclaim your alignment and live more intentionally and connect with what matters most.

And if you’re craving a deeper reset, my Bali Spiritual Retreat in October 2025 has a few spots left. Check out the details on my website.

Remember, you are enough, and you matter.

With love,

Audrey