Every time I breathe consciously, I ground myself. Every time I remember to pay attention to where I am – when I notice my feet on the ground, my butt in my seat, my fingers on the keyboard of my computer – I build a stronger foundation with which to move forward. When I pay attention to how I am – when I observe my breath, the beating of my heart, my calmness (or lack thereof) – I remind myself to be.

It is so easy to get caught up in the busyness. It is so easy to rush forward, not seeing where I am, not present to what’s going on around – and inside – of me.

But when I breathe. When I pause. When I intentionally notice, there is so much to notice. There is so much to enjoy. To relish.

All I have to do is stop.

All I have to do is stop trying. Stop trying to make it better. Stop trying to make it more. Stop trying to achieve and overachieve.

Stop trying to keep myself safe (because I am safe). Stop trying to make up for all that’s wrong with me (because nothing is wrong with me). Stop trying to anticipate and solve and soothe everyone and everything around me.

My husband teases me at times. “Get out of your head,” he jokes. “Stop thinking about everything so much.” Not thinking about everything so much does not come naturally to me. I’m trained at reading the room, assessing the danger points, and noting what people want and need – even before they note it at times. My warped reasoning can reason that these skills kept me safe when I was younger, so these skills are needed to keep me safe now.

I no longer need to be mindful of the lay of the land to be safe. I am safe. I just need to be mindful. And more mindful.

I just need to breathe. And be.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, and please share this post with others if it resonates with you!

Photo by Fabian Møller on Unsplash