Just Breathe

By Linda Kelly, MSW, RSW

During a challenging day, we often forget how tightly we are holding ourselves. Yesterday, my stomach was in a knot, breathing was shallow, and my heart seemed to be skipping all over the place (and not in a good way). And while all that was happening, my emotions were getting out of control. Anger, worry, fear, nervousness - everything piled up and negative thoughts started marching through. You know the ones...they only let you remember the mistakes you've made. They disregard the good things you've done. They call you names, and you believe them.

So it was here that I practiced the techniques I'm always talking about. Breathing deeply right from the pit of my stomach. Focusing on the waves, the way the air felt against my skin, and the sound of the dirt crunching under my shoes as I walked. It didn't take long. The feeling of coming back down to earth gradually calmed all of the negative emotions. And then, all that stuff just didn't seem to matter anymore.

They aren't lying when they tell you to just breathe.

Sometimes we forget.