Renovating a home is exciting yet can be an overwhelming journey, especially when you’re balancing family life and big dreams for your space. When we began our renovation project, we had a clear goal in mind: to finish one floor completely so that we could move in, settle down, and take a breather before diving back into the rest of the work. In a world that constantly pushes for more, faster, and now, we decided to do something a little different—we allowed ourselves to take a break.
In this post, I want to share why we chose to pause our renovation and how this decision has not only benefited our project but also helped us embrace a season of intentional slowness. I hope it encourages you to consider taking a break in your own projects or life, no matter how big or small, and savor the space between progress.
1. The Original Plan: Complete One Floor, Settle In, and Breathe
Our renovation journey began with ambitious plans. Like many, we wanted to see our dream home come to life quickly. But with three floors to tackle, we knew it would take time. So we made the decision to focus on completing just one floor so that we could move in and start to enjoy the space, allowing us to finally settle in while slowly working through the rest of the house.
Having that one completed floor gave us a sense of accomplishment and grounded us, knowing that we could finally live in the home we were working on. But even as we checked off tasks, we realized that progress didn’t have to come at the expense of our well-being or the quality of the renovation itself.
2. The Pause: Why Slowing Down Was the Right Choice
As we moved into the completed floor, we were met with something unexpected but beautiful: a deep sense of peace. Taking a break allowed us to really experience the space. It was no longer about ticking off boxes on a to-do list but about creating a home that reflected the life we wanted to live.
We took time to unpack, relax, and adjust to our new surroundings—without the looming pressure of the next project. This space allowed us to pause and truly live in our home before diving into the next phase of renovations. We enjoyed the little moments: morning coffee, slow evenings, and family time. And, as we spent time in the space, we gained a better understanding of what was working and what wasn’t. This clarity helped us make more thoughtful decisions for the next part of our renovation.
3. The Power of Slowness: Why Taking a Break Wasn’t a Setback
In a culture that celebrates speed, taking a break can feel counterintuitive. But the truth is, slowing down gave us a chance to reconnect with our purpose and vision. It wasn’t about putting the renovations on hold indefinitely; it was about taking a breath to ensure that the next steps were aligned with what we truly wanted, rather than rushing into a finish line just for the sake of it.
In fact, embracing this season of slowness made our renovations feel more intentional. By living in the space, we were able to identify areas that needed tweaking, and we found ourselves more focused on quality over speed. Rather than hurrying through each room, we let our vision evolve, which ultimately made our home feel more us.
4. Encouragement for You: Embrace the Pause
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this experience, it’s that taking a break doesn’t mean you’re falling behind or losing momentum—it means you’re making space to recharge, reflect, and come back even stronger. Whether you’re in the midst of a renovation, a major life transition, or just navigating day-to-day responsibilities, remember that it’s okay to pause and recalibrate.
Taking time to savor the progress you’ve made and allowing yourself to rest is an essential part of any journey. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out by the hustle and grind, I encourage you to embrace the slowness. Take a step back. Let your project (and life) unfold at a pace that feels right for you.
5. The Journey Is the Destination
As we continue our renovation, I’m constantly reminding myself that it’s okay to slow down. The journey is the destination, and the space in between—those moments of pause and reflection—are what make the final result truly worthwhile.
So, whether you’re in the middle of a renovation or navigating any other major life change, remember this: It’s okay to take a break. Don’t rush through your journey. Savor the process, rest when needed, and trust that everything will fall into place in time.
I dive deep in
