The Power of Pausing: Why “Creative Absence” is My Secret Weapon
Y’all, I hit a wall last week! I was D O N E. There was nothing wrong and yet nothing right either. I take the 5th week of the month, you know those 5th Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays that aren’t consistent each month; when they aren’t consistent ~ you can’t count on them to do consistent work. I practice what I call “Creative Absence” (thank you, Henri Nouwen). I take time to fill myself back up, so I can be the coach I want and need to be for my clients.
Did I feel guilty? Yes.
Did I think of a million other things I could and should be doing? Yes.
Has my energy level been SKY ROCKETING this week? Yes. So much so that my husband was like, “We need to help you be more consistent with Creative Absence.”
Was the pause from a few days worth it? 100%
What lesson am I learning from this year? Be consistent in practicing “Creative Absence.” I need to take the time and space to pause each week, each month, and each quarter to fill myself back up, so I can steward well the gifts and talents I have been entrusted with. Life’s short, I want to invest well and spend wisely.
Why This Matters Now: Year-End Burnout Is Real
If you feel like you’re crawling to the end of the year, you’re not alone. Corporate burnout is at an all-time high, with recent stats showing that more than 80% of employees report feeling burned out, and the cost to businesses is staggering—$322 billion in lost productivity and billions more in healthcare costs. Remote workers and younger professionals are carrying even more stress, and a sense of being constantly “on” is taking a toll everywhere.
The Unique Power of Pausing
Let’s bust a myth: Pausing isn’t weakness. It’s leadership, stewardship, and—dare I say—survival. Henri Nouwen’s idea of “creative absence” isn’t just about stepping away, it’s about giving yourself (and your spirit) room to breathe so what matters can come alive again. Whether you call it retreat, reflection, sabbatical, or simply “off the clock,” pausing is a lever for clarity, fresh vision, and coming back stronger for those who count on you.
Here’s what consistent, strategic pauses do:
Refuel your energy and creativity, so the next stretch isn’t just survival—it’s inspired action.
Help reset priorities, so you spend your energy where it matters most.
Model to your team (and your family!) that well-being beats nonstop grind, every time.
Getting Practical: How to Practice “Creative Absence”
Here’s my encouragement: Don’t wait for burnout to force you into a time-out. Bake “Creative Absence” into your calendar—weekly, monthly, and quarterly if you can. Take those 5th weeks, random afternoons, or even just long walks unplugged.
Block time before you’re fried, even if your to-do list towers.
Say no without apology, because rest is productive.
Let your absence create new space, for you and everyone you influence.
Final Thoughts: Leadership Means Investing Well
If you’re leading, serving, coaching, or parenting, the world will always have “one more thing” for you to do. But investing in consistent “Creative Absence” is investing in your future—and the future of the people you care about. Life is short. Energy is precious. Steward them like the gifts they are.
So here’s to strategic stopping, fueled by faith, vision, and a whole lot of courage. The pause is not a luxury. It’s wisdom in action.