I’m one to keep streaks alive. Not perfectly, but I’m consistent in some areas.

But sometimes, a break is needed. Whether from fatigue, illness, other priorities, or strange logistics … every so often, there’s a necessary pause. Not from forgetfulness. Not from laziness. Rather, a conscious choice.

In these moments, I like to take on an infallible, supreme air with my internal voice. I say to myself, “It is permitted.” Or, “It is acceptable.”

It’s mostly tongue in cheek. But it’s also a genuine self-reminder: I’m in charge of any streaks I keep or break. I’m accountable to myself. I get to choose what to continue, when to pause, when to resume, and what to eliminate. Daily. Even moment to moment.

We all get to choose.