Just Breathe

I was on a run today and during the run I had an urge to head towards the water. I turned around at the next intersection and began running along the path headed towards the river. As I was running, I had a flashback to a few years ago because of a song that came on. 

The song is called Just Breathe by Johnny Diaz, and this was my jam a few years ago. This song has brought me to tears more times than I can count, but after awhile, I viewed it as my saving grace. What I started to notice is that this song seemed to play every time I needed to be shaken awake from the robotic lifestyle that I had a tendency to get into.

I saw it as my gentle and loving nudge from the angels to get back on track with prioritizing my wellbeing and taking the steps I was being asked to take. And it was my reminder to just breathe…that all was well...and that God had my back.

It felt ironic to be running at such a fast and swift pace, mid-afternoon in the blazing heat, and to have this song come on. But as I was intently listening to the lyrics, I realized how ‘in the zone’ I was. I was so laser focused on my breath, and the sidewalk in front of me, that nothing could disturb me for this brief moment in time. 

When I ‘snapped out of it’ I realized what had just happened, and then I immediately wanted to celebrate how far I had come. A few years ago I took a leap of faith. I ‘ran away’ from a lifestyle that was no longer serving me, out into an expansive horizon. A horizon with no clear destination, but a beautiful horizon nonetheless. 

I smiled for a moment and was so proud of my courage to step into the horizon, the unknown. 

I suddenly sped up as I became super motivated to get to the water so I could experience some temporary relief from the heat. 

I arrived at a grassy area under a tree and plopped down. I spread my arms and legs out like I was going to make a snow angel (maybe I could call it a grass angel?) and just laid there. I pressed repeat so I could listen to the song again and closed my eyes as I took in every word that Johnny sang. 

Alarm clock screaming bare feet hit the floor

It's off to the races everybody out the door

I'm feeling like I'm falling behind, it's a crazy life

Ninety miles an hour going fast as I can

Trying to push a little harder trying to get the upper hand

So much to do in so little time, it's a crazy life

It's ready, set, go it's another wild day

When the stress is on the rise in my heart I feel you say just breathe

‘How did I do it,’ I asked myself. 

Knowing where I am at today and how far I’ve come, it is so hard to believe that I used to move at the pace I did. It is hard to believe all the responsibilities I took on, all the high expectations I was setting for myself, and others, and how I prioritized work over play. It is hard to believe that I used to move 90 miles an hour going as fast as I could, when nowadays it’s more of a snail's pace (at least in comparison to the way I used to be!). 

Breathe, just breathe

Come and rest at my feet

And be, just be

Chaos calls but all you really need

Is to just breathe

I opened my eyes when this chorus came on. All I saw were wispy clouds and blue skies. It was the most amazing view. It was like the clouds were dancing above me, which didn’t seem possible because I thought clouds moved in the same direction (which I found out is not true after I Googled it when I got home). They seemed so close to me, and were moving to the most beautiful rhythm. My heart was beating at such a fast pace, but I felt so at peace in that moment as I gazed into the sky.

It felt so good to just be, and breathe. Something I know I need to set more time aside for.

Many people over the past several weeks have told me how they feel so up and down. They are great one moment and then feel frustrated and trapped the next. Life feels out of control most day, and they feel paralyzed in some of the decisions they have to make.

Me too, ya’ll. Me too.

But this song reminded me today that all I have to do is just breathe. To just be. And to always return to the breathe, knowing that this too shall pass. 

If you feel like your life is out of control these days, you’re not alone. 

If you feel lost in all the important decisions you have to make, you’re not alone. 

If you have brain fog and forgot what you did 10 minutes ago, you’re not alone. 

If you are in a state of panic and fear, you’re not alone. 

If you feel like the world around you is chaotic, you’re not alone. 

If you feel lonely, you’re not alone. 

If you are afraid to slow down because that means you have to feel your emotions, you’re not alone. 

If you are frustrated, angry or feeling resentment, you’re not alone. 

Wherever you are at today, I want to send you a gentle reminder to just breathe. And to never give up hope that you can change your circumstances. You always have the choice to change your life. 

I am not sure who needs to hear this today, but if that is you, remember you are loved. 

Hugs my dear friends. <3