A Changing World

Finding quiet in times of change

Some days the world feels like it’s moving a million miles an hour. At work, that might mean new priorities, new tools, and new expectations. In life, it’s beginnings, losses, and the in-betweens.

The pace of change can leave us stretched thin, always trailing behind. My instinct in those moments has always been to push harder. Say yes to everything, deliver faster, and try to hold on to a sense of control. But that often adds to the weight and sets me up for failure.

Recently, I went through a personal loss and the deep grief that came with it. When I returned to work after a few weeks away, I learned that my manager was moving to another team. It felt like too much, all at once.

But grief changes you.
For me, it seems to have broadened my outlook on change itself. Change is inevitable. The only thing we can control is how we respond.

Now, when the world feels too heavy, I pause.

Some things will always go against your plans. Projects will pivot, timelines will slip, and backlog will pile up. Frustration, disappointment, and embarrassment may follow.

Before diving back in, pause. Step outside for five minutes of fresh air. Look out of the window. Close the laptop for a minute before the next meeting. Just exist for a moment.

At office, I take the long route to the restroom, linger a moment while refilling my water bottle, or spend a quiet minute doodling in my notepad. At home, I make a cup of tea and sit on the balcony, listening to the birds when work feels like too much.

These pauses don’t fix everything. But they create a little space to rest and reset. Sometimes, that’s enough to bring me back to myself and to the work with clearer eyes.

At the end of my workday, I spend a few minutes noting what I did and where to begin tomorrow. Just me, an ink pen, and my notebook. It’s a small ritual of pausing and acknowledging my progress and my path forward.

Maybe today, give yourself one small pause. Notice what shifts.