Are you a gladiator?
If you were a fan of Scandal, the TV show that gave us the iconic Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington), you’ll remember the unforgettable phrase, “One minute.” A moment that was electric, transformative, and full of intention.
In my own life, I’ve come to embrace the power of taking one minute for myself. One minute to pause, breathe, and recalibrate before speaking, acting, or making decisions.
Why One Minute Matters
Last year, during a journaling session, I uncovered a pattern that had been holding me back: I often let my emotions, especially anger and empathy, take the driver’s seat. In those moments, I wasn’t leading my life—I was reacting to it. And when anger or empathy leads, I end up letting myself down.
This realization led me to adopt as my new word for 2025: wealthy.
When I picture my wealthy self, she’s articulate, thoughtful, and in control. She uses her time, energy, and focus wisely. She shows up as a woman who puts herself first. And part of becoming her is mastering the art of the pause—taking one minute to reset before responding to anything or anyone.
The Wealthy Woman’s Approach
In my work life, I’ve experienced relationships that are, to say the least, tense. In the past, I’d react instantly firing off emails that, in hindsight, said more about my state of mind than the issue at hand. It is no longer the woman I want to be.
Now, I pause. I take my one minute. I breathe, journal if needed, and remind myself of my intentions in my workplace is: to be effective, thoughtful, and live in alignment with my core values.
The result? I am saving myself from countless regrets and headache, because when I stop pulling, the person on the other side cannot pull also, there is no resistance, there is no tension, and you know what it is liberating. I am also preserving my energy and creating mental space for what truly matters.
Redefining Boundaries
As an empath, my default setting has always been to help—I feel deeply for people and share freely. But here’s the hard truth I’ve learned: not everyone reciprocates. I used to share investment opportunities without hesitation, only to realize others weren’t as forthcoming.
Now, when I feel the urge to overshare or overextend, I take my one minute. I stop and remind myself: not everyone deserves a piece of it.
The same goes for managing others’ emotions. For years, I absorbed people’s stress, bent over backward to make them comfortable, and over-explained my decisions. No more. That part of me is taking a permanent back seat.
Instead, I ask myself: Does this align with my core values? Does it reflect the vibrant, colorful life I’m building? If the answer is no, I honor my boundaries—even if it feels uncomfortable in the moment.
Becoming the Woman You’re Meant to Be
This transformation isn’t easy. It’s like rehearsing for the role of a lifetime. But I know that by the end of 2025, if I keep practicing my one-minute pauses, the wealthy woman I envision won’t just be a concept—I’ll see her in the mirror.
How about you? Have you decided who you’re going to be in 2025?
If not, I encourage you to start by choosing your word of the year. (Read my blog post, Choose Your Word of the Year: Redefining Your Life with the Be, Do Method, for guidance – https://whisperstotheworld.com/choose-your-word-of-the-year) It’s never too late to decide who you want to be.
When you’re tired of the same results, you need to change at the being level. Define the person you want to become—how she thinks, acts, and shows up in the world. Then, take one day at a time to embody her.
One Minute to Change Your Life
Taking one minute before speaking, acting, or deciding is a simple but transformative tool. It can help you show up as the woman you truly want to be, in every setting—from your work life to your personal relationships.
So, the next time you feel the urge to react, pause. Take a breath. And remember you’re not just living this moment—you’re rehearsing for the life you’re creating.
Are you ready to take one minute for yourself?
With all my heart,
Salima
