Have you ever used that phrase, once in a blue moon? I have. And until last month didn't know it's origin. The only reason I learned the meaning is because I was able to stop and enjoy a fabulous moon, and it so happened to be a blue moon!

For those of you who don't already know, a blue moon is when two full moons appear during the same month, which usually happens every 2 or 2 1/2 years. So rarely.

And for many of us these days, that is often the case when it comes to slowing down - rarely! In fact, as noted in a recent HBR article on the topic

(Why we glorify overwork and refuse to rest):

"Most of us prefer being too busy to not being busy enough. We often experience a greater sense of our own value when we’re working than we do when we’re not. Working is not just a way to stay busy, but also to prove our worthiness — to others and to ourselves. Immersion in work helps hold off feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, loneliness, sadness, and emptiness that can arise when we have time off."

And there in lies the dilema. We know overworking is not healthy but we also dread slowing down, as it can bring up unwanted emotions and issues of self worth. So what is a person to do? For me, I think the most important actions is to stop.

Stop and figure out where our worth comes from. Is it who we are or what we do?

Stop and experience our emotions. Can we be brave enough to be honest about them?

Stop and see what we can learn and see. Maybe even pause long enougth to enjoy what is right in front of us? Like a blue moon!

In case you can take a quick stop this week, the harvest moon (one of my favorties) should be arriving this Thursday. As September slips away, I hope you can plan your next pause and prepare to rest before the next blue moon. You are worth it!