POWER OF THE PAUSE

If you learn anything from me today, you learn and remember — The Power of the Pause. Pausing allows you to take a beat — to take a breath in your life. 

You’ll have to work your butt off, too, but today, I’m saying that while you do that, it’s really important to pause along the way and take a break from communicating outwardly, so you can communicate inwardly, with yourself. 

PAUSE — and take the time to find out, what is important to you. Find out what you love, what is real and true to you. 

PAUSE — before you report something you don’t know is absolutely true.

PAUSE — before you put a rumour out there as fact.

PAUSE — before you make judgements about people’s personal or professional decisions.

Sometimes when you pause, you’ll realize you are going to have to hold yourself back from acting out on your ego and your first impulse. 

That is power — and with power, comes responsibility. So remember to pause and reflect. And finally, remember this: Whenever you are in doubt, PAUSE; take a moment. Look at your options, check your intentions , and then? Take the high road. 

— Excerpts from Maria Shriver’s address at Annenberg School (California) Commencement Ceremony in 2012.