I’m on the train, on my way home from a hard day’s work in New York City. And I’m tired. I won’t say I’m eavesdropping on the phone conversation of the man sitting behind me…but maybe I am a little bit.
I’m not sure what the phone call is about. He seems to be talking someone off a ledge. “Take a chill pill,” he keeps saying. “Calm down, breathe, and take a chill pill.”
It doesn’t really matter what he’s talking about, or what he’s chilling the other person down about. I don’t need to hear anything more of his conversation. “Take a chill pill,” is all I need to hear.
Because I can, again, as nearly always, use to take a chill pill. I can (and did) feel myself ratcheting up and stressing out on the way to the train – over what, I don’t know. And even before I heard this man’s bit of advice, I took a metaphorical chill pill. I took a deep breath and refocused my thoughts on something else. Something nice. Something refreshing. Something soothing.
I’m feeling a bit repetitive, how often I’m writing here about my need – or choice – to chill out a bit more. To intentionally calm down and relax. What can I say? I keep needing the reminder. And each time I do slow down and breathe and remember something, or someone, that makes me smile, I feel better. I guess I thought that I should share that with others. That you might feel better if you calmed down too. Or that you might appreciate the reminder.
Life is too short to be stressed out so much of the time. Or perhaps even any of the time. Life is too short and honestly, the things I stress about probably aren’t that important. I have friends and family who are currently dealing with some tough stuff. Today, right now, luckily I’m not. The things that I’m choosing to use as an excuse to increase my tension and self-imposed pressure simply aren’t worth it.
I need to take a chill pill. I deserve to take a chill pill. To look around for my reasons to unwind, loosen up, and take it easy. To smile and enjoy. I’m going to use my train ride to relax and luxuriate in something. Perhaps a good book. Perhaps the family I’m on my way home to. Perhaps how well today’s work went.
I’m going to take a chill pill.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, and please share this post with others if it resonates with you!
