Often we don’t realize that time is flying past us until we are celebrating a big event or holiday. I’m one to remind myself daily to stop and breathe. I haven’t written in a long time. Life has been busy and priorities shifted. My life has always been busy. So why do I feel like I let time fly past me? The truth. Life changed. My blog started out of a need to get out of my head, help people out and take the plunge into the unknown. Since I started this blog, I finished my masters degree, divorced, watched my son grow up and graduate high school, traveled and loved new moments. That’s a lot of change. So for the past two years, I slowed down. I slowed down for me and due to the pandemic. Life is different now. This is the first time I’m sitting in a Starbucks, drinking a cup of hot tea in public, in over a year. Though I’m still wearing my mask, one of the few to be doing so. This is the first time, in a long while, that I’m writing something for you.
So how are you doing? Stop. Take a breath. In. Out. Stop what you are doing. Try it again. In. Out. Three times is a charm. In. Out. Take a moment to look around you. Now notice your feet, your ankles, your knees, your hips, your butt, your back, your shoulder blades, your posture, your shoulders, your elbows, your fingers, your neck, your mouth, your ears, your eyes and the tip of your head. Take another breath. Now, how do you feel? Are you tired? Relaxed? Glad you stopped for a few minutes? Do it daily. Do it for you. Do it for those around you.
How am I? Spinning. There aren’t enough hours in the day or enough breaths to fix all I want to do. The best way I know how to do all I want to do is plan. That has been very difficult during the pandemic. Those who know me would think the pandemic would be hard on me because I’m always on the go, always planning. But the truth is, it gave me the opportunity to spend time with my people and rest. I’m starting to plan again. the library dating programs are ramping up off Zoom, plans are forming for traveling and there are more big life changes coming. Normalcy is returning. So now it’s time to remind myself to stop, breathe and embrace self-care.
When do you stop to count your blessings? For me, the best breath is at the end of the day when I take time to look around me and count my blessings and my people. I appreciate my circle of support, pray often and hope for more good. I pray people make good choices and that those trying to build our world and those around us up will be lifted up to succeed in all they are trying to accomplish.
With my son graduating high school, I’ve been reflecting on the things I tried to teach him over the years. A lot of what I hope he brings into his adulthood I have shared with people and in my blog. Smile; it’s good for you and for others. Embrace change and take leaps of faith. Baby step it forward. If you listen to God and the universe, you will know where to step. Stop, lean in to your emotions, then think and act. Travel so you can meet people, have new experiences and be amazed by our world. Love big. Laugh daily. Hug, kiss, listen and support one another. What is your hope, your prayer? I’m sending one out for you. Right now.
~I’m here to help
Tina