A dear friend recently experienced a devastating personal blow which initially ravaged her emotionally and mentally. Because of that, even the most mundane daily activities were almost impossible. I hope that you’ve never been in this situation but if you have you know exactly what I mean. Brushing your teeth or getting dressed requires energy you do not have. Tasks you normally perform on automatic pilot now demand thought but none will come. You move from one room to another in a haze, sitting down because the mere act of standing is too much effort. And once seated, you find yourself staring at the wall while every possible scenario wreaks havoc on your exhausted mind and heart. And it hurts. Everything hurts.
Having been there myself there was only one thing I could do to help: tell her to breathe. I know, I know. Some friend I am, right? What’s wrong with ice cream? Or wine? Or both?
But I know firsthand that breathing is what will save you. The decisions you will feel you need to rush to make, the actions you will be compelled to take absolutely, positively must wait. All you have to do is breathe. Breathe in. Breathe out. The rest of it be damned.
Every second breathing gives us life. But when life gives us tragedy, breathing keeps us alive.
