This was offered by a yoga instructor, and it has stayed with me.

If I can’t breathe, why bother?

I know the instructor was talking about yoga poses and practice, but I find that it pertains not just to that but to pretty much everything.

Or actually to everything.

Whether or not I’m breathing is a good gauge of how I’m doing. My push and drive is such a slippery slope that I can truly believe I’m taking care of myself or coming from a place of compassion or doing what I can to help…and that is when I’m so constantly called out on my perfectionism (“you even try to do not perfect perfectly”) and my need to/for control.

But if I can notice if I’m breathing, and slow myself down and pull myself back when I’m not breathing, then I can actually ease and take care of myself and come from a place of compassion…and not control.

Because if I can’t breathe while I’m doing something – while I’m doing anything –why bother. Step back. Slow down. Just stop.

In fact, I’m going to stop there…and go breathe.

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

Photo by pixabay on nappy


If you have been in ANY high control group or religion, share your story with the hashtag #IGotOut. Share on your own platform OR if you need to be anonymous and/or would like support, there are resources at the @igotout_org website.

When you see a survivor share their story, let them know they have been heard. This is such a meaningful part of the movement. We all need to know we’re not alone.

If you know someone who has been harmed by a high demand group, share #igotout posts or stories you think would help them.

Together we can bring awareness to how many of us have been harmed by high control organizations and end the shame or stigma we might feel about our experiences.

Tell your story
Impact lives
Change the world

Find out more at igotout.org

Start reading 'to the moon and back' today!


Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and receive a FREE sample from my new book, 'to the moon and back'!

You have Successfully Subscribed!