This week’s blog is short and sweet… partly because I’m exhausted, and partly because I’m a procrastinator.

I’m still in the depths of my journey to process my childhood and beyond, but I’m happy to announce that I have a new counselor!

I often take notes during our sessions, and the following has been a theme in the past couple weeks:

Deep breathing. Gratitude. Lament.

These three practices have been on repeat as I navigate life. It’s a busy season; I feel like stress and overwhelm are constantly looking for room to occupy – in my mind, heart, body, and schedule.

Deep breathing. Gratitude. Lament.

Deep breathing helps me slow down and focus. It forces me to pause until I’m ready to begin again. It reminds me of every “selah” strategically placed throughout the Psalms.

Gratitude interrupts comparison and offense, as well as my inner critic. There’s always something to be grateful for. We can find God in our midst and give thanks to Him.

Lament provides an opportunity to be real in expressing our feelings and emotions. It gives space for honesty and vulnerability with God.

Deep breathing. Gratitude. Lament.

It’s easy to get swept up in the chaos of life and forget to breathe, give thanks, and lament. We’re too distracted and too busy. Our plates are full and we can’t imagine adding any more.

But these things are not burdens; these words are not passive. They’re intentional ways to engage in our daily lives. Important tools, timely action steps.