Mindful Monday: Just Breathe

Has anyone told you recently, "What's wrong?, Is everything okay?" or my personal favorite, "You look tired!" It's code for: Whatever you are doing, it's not working. 

Each week, I try to share a tidbit that I hope lifts you up or encourages you to reframe whatever may be happening in your life. Today, I come with nothing but the raw truth. I'm tired. 

They say it's not healthy to "burn your candle at both ends", that you need to prioritize your responsibilities and take time for yourself. And I agree. 

However, the reality of it is that not only have I been burning my candle at both ends throughout this pandemic, my candle seems to be in full meltdown mode at this point. I've been powering through, doing what needs to be done, taking care of business, telling myself that this can't last forever. But at this point, I find myself running on steam. My tank is empty. 

I can hardly wrap my head around the fact that we've been living in crisis mode for 11 months, almost an entire year.  Just the idea of it makes me tired. 

So I ask you today, when was the last time you stopped and took a moment to just breathe? My guess would be, it isn't nearly often enough. So, do it with me now. Close your eyes and Just. Breathe. And again, Just. Breathe. I don't know about you, but the simple act of quieting my mind and taking in a deep breath is completely relaxing. It's quick, it's free, it can be done anytime and anywhere and yet, I don't do it often enough. 

I challenge you this week, when the stress is creeping in, when your frustration level is on the rise, and when you find yourself just plain tired, do yourself a favor and Just. Breathe! Slowly but surely, you will start to blow out those flames.