Balancing Act

By Suzie Carr

@girl_novelist

Yesterday, I spent the better part of my day desperately trying to get in the zone. I even drank four cups of coffee, but to no avail, I couldn't focus. 

Finally, listening to my body, I surrendered to the lazy afternoon. 

This is highly unlike me. I’m that crazy go-getter with a mile long to-do list and more goals than would be humanly possible to accomplish in one lifetime. Despite this, I realize that every once in a while, we all need a day to play hooky. It does the mind good to rest it and let it run loose without restraint. So, yesterday, after fighting the urge to relax for too long, I loosened the grip and just let myself enjoy a beautiful afternoon free of work, of demands, of anything that required too much focus.

I needed to do this. Lately, I’ve scheduled my days to the minute. I believe goal setting and actions are critical to move forward in life. But, I also I believe if a person charges full force ahead leaving no room for fun, for wonder, for freedom, she will fall flat and run out of steam.

Balance is key.

Every once in a while, we all need to take time out to just be. So, after spending the morning running around like a wild woman clocking one important task after another, I ran out of steam and had nothing left. That’s when I surrendered. I let the tension roll off of my shoulders and embraced some downtime.

I breathed in some beautiful fresh air, basked in the unseasonably warm February sunshine and let my mind wander off to the beauty of the birds flying above and the fluffy white clouds floating on the backdrop to the prettiest periwinkle sky I’d seen in a while.

The result? Today, my mind is clear. My breaths are deeper. My heart is open to the possibilities of a brand new day.

Bring it on! I am recharged.

Here’s hoping you find that sweet spot of balance in your life, too!

Suzie

I feel it's critical to support the community, and so I've committed to donate a portion of my book sale proceeds to the NOH8 Campaign (www.noh8campaign.com)

Just Breathe and Relax...

Sure, sounds so simple, am I right? Especially considering we don’t even have to think about it. We're designed to function on autopilot, after all. Well, if you’re anything like me, you have moments when you realize your autopilot isn’t functioning quite right. Does this sound familiar during a stressful situation: head spins, chest tightens, and no matter how hard you blink, you just can’t get past the fog? Yeah, well, I experienced one of those moments yesterday. Then I stumbled upon an article and this is what I learned…


I learned to breathe. Yup. Good ole fashioned breathing. Worked like a charm, indeed! I followed the article's lead... I inhaled a good long breath, inflating my lungs, really expanding my chest. Then, I did it again and this time dug a little deeper. After about five of these, I fluttered back to the present. Playing along, I eased into yet another deep breath, awakening to the sweet smell of my vanilla spiced coffee perched on the desk in front of me. I reveled in the weightlessness of the air, feeling at last more relaxed than I would if I'd been soaking in a tub of bubbles. I inhaled again, so deep in fact that even my toes wriggled. The lucidity actually tickled.


Connected. Empowered. Present.


And, all this from a couple of concentrated, deep breaths. Oh, imagine the possibilities!