Two days ago I felt trapped in a hamster wheel that would never stop.  I kept going on and on, doing all the things that needed doing.  I wondered to myself how the busyness can happen so quickly after having two weeks of vacation.  As I was gearing up to begin another day, I saw this quote:

pixel2013 / Pixabay

“No matter how fast life is moving around us, there is always a place of stillness inside.” (notification on my phone from the Headspace app)

Hmmm, I thought to myself.  Good to remember!

Shortly thereafter, my youngest granddaughter was at my house.  She was watching an episode of “Bluey” (a cute Australian children’s show on Disney, Jr.).  In this episode, Bluey sits to meditate a moment amidst chaos so she can remember something that she has forgotten.

The message became crystal clear.  I should take some time to sit in stillness today.  So, I did.  I have been practicing yoga daily, so I took some time on the mat to give myself a breather and let my mind and body rest.

It was good.  It was needed.  The messages of that day had made their point.

Now to remember those messages when things get busy again.

Steaming coffee mug in hand, I pause to greet the day as it begins to greet me with its lovely pinks and shades of light and dark.  I stop for a moment-just a moment-to notice the calm and quiet of a still slumbering neighborhood and acknowledge the promise of this new day.  I inhale deeply and exhale slowly.  I lift my mug and shut my eyes to fully savor the aroma and taste of the coffee and the way this peaceful moment feels.  I take one more deep inhale and slow exhale.  I offer a little word of gratitude for this moment of quiet and centering before the chaos of the school day begins.

May and December are the toughest months for me.  These months are so chaotically busy.  I feel whipped this way and that with no break in between.  By the time each month comes to an end, I am utterly exhausted and often have an upper respiratory infection or other illness.

So I have been doing what I can to build up my defenses to finish this May strong and positive.

• I seek and savor small moments of quiet, solitude, and beauty.
• I try to be mindful to eat more plants and less salty or sugary junk, although when stressed this is difficult.
• I look for ways to get a few extra steps in each day.  It helps.
• I keep a gratitude journal.
• I strive to make time for things that matter most, like family and writing.
• Finally, I tell myself, “This, too, shall pass.”

It’s May, and I want to finish the school year strong.  With some extra attention to self-care, I think I can.