Just Breathe

Summer is here in full swing, and I don’t think I’ve ever been as busy as I currently am with as little breathing time as I’ve had lately. I didn’t think I would have a blog post this week because I’ve had more work to do than energy and hours to do it in. But I know it’s just real life. This world is so fast paced and busy, and there’s no escaping it. I’ve gotten used to a nonstop business because every time I think things will slow down, something else comes up. But it’s okay now because I’m learning how to breathe. Sometimes, it’s putting off a chore for a few minutes to talk to somebody. Sometimes, it’s taking a break from my work to take my siblings for a swim in the lake, and reading a book while they swim – or just jumping in and cooling down! Sometimes it’s going out with a friend even when I have work to do. I am learning that if an opportunity comes up, I just need to take it; I won’t regret putting off something that will always be here to enjoy something that will be gone soon. Taking a break for a few minutes may make me feel like I’m wasting time because it’s an intrusion to my work, but I’m really saving it because I will be so much more productive when I rest. Breathing releases the tension – and I think it’s mostly the tension that drains me. Taking a break to be more productive sounds illogical, but it’s realistic; because I can’t give if I’m empty.