Taking A Time Out | Recognise | Strong Ground
LEARN
Something Worth Sharing
Taking a Time Out
I recently spent two weeks in a different kind of environment — not physically, but mentally and socially. I was surrounded by fewer people and less of the familiar. My days were still full and busy, yet I had far more time on my own than usual. Without realising it, I’d stepped out of my routines and into a much-needed pause.
What I learned is that consciously taking a “time out” from the familiar — people, patterns, technology, and daily cycles — is crucial for a mental and emotional reset. By choosing to see that space as an opportunity rather than an absence, I found my way back to myself.
It’s so easy to drift with routine, letting small habits and unconscious patterns take root. This break helped me refocus, re-centre, and gain perspective. I reflected deeply, restored my energy, and rediscovered clarity.
Interestingly, during that same period, I faced what I can only describe as an extremely traumatic experience (the details are for another time — perhaps a future book chapter!). Yet, I surprised myself in how I handled it. I genuinely believe that the space and self-connection I’d cultivated during this “time out” made all the difference.
Stepping away from the familiar can be a profound act of self-discovery. It helps you reconnect with your authentic self, understand what truly brings you joy, and build the resilience to face whatever life throws your way. In summary:
Schedule intentional and regular ‘time outs’ for yourself
Use time alone as an opportunity
Let your mind catch up with you
Question and reflect to re-centre
Reconnect to your authentic self to build resilience
ENERGY
Focusing on an emotion or energy; a stand-out word / s
Recognise
I was thinking about the word ‘recognise’ recently - and that to recognise something, you need to have a past experience of it first.
RECOGNISE is from Latin word recognoscere meaning "acknowledge, recall to mind, know again; examine; certify". The word is formed from RE "again" + COGNOSCERE "to get to know".
ACTION
Something small that you can do that might make a big difference
Get Uncomfortable
Consciously putting yourself into a position of discomfort, while sounding a little scary, is important for learning and growth. Our daughter has just completed an adventure - walking the Camino de Santiago by herself aged 18. She took herself far outside of her comfort zone. The suggested action this week is to do something that isn’t usual or comfortable for you.
PROCESSING
A question to think about and consider (you can discuss this with someone or write your thoughts down)
“What stories are you telling yourself?”
As explained in this week’s LEARN, I have had the space to process and explore my own thoughts and feelings. I realised that I had been attached to a certain story that wasn’t particularly helpful. When we tell ourselves a story withoutbeing open to question and challenge it, we can forget that we are the author and can write the future as we wish - to change the story. The first step is to understand our current stories!
I’d love for you to send me your own stories / thoughts about this. Drop me a line with your answer / thoughts on this question
SHOUT OUT
Who / what I think deserves recognition, my gratitude or to be celebrated.
Being Where You Need To Be
I was having breakfast a few weekends ago with one of my best friends. I was conscious that my husband was returning from a two week work trip on that day, and of course wanted to be home to greet him. I realised that rather than racing away from my breakfast, I was where I needed to be right at that time - being present, catching up, laughing and sharing. My husband didn’t need me to be back for his return; 10 minutes would make no difference to him. Being where YOU to be for YOU is a wonderful thing!
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LEAPS is a process used by our team and clients all the time - and even my own family on a daily basis.
I’ll be sharing a set of LEAPS each week with you and encourage you to do your own version:
L: what have you learned?
E: what’s your energy / feeling word
A: what’s one thing you need to do?
P: what are you thinking / processing?
S: who or what can you shout out?
