Just breathe!
Sometimes, we all need a gentle reminder to pause, give ourselves a little space and “just breathe”. It’s not something that I find easy to do, but I’m getting better at giving myself permission to slow down, because I know how important it is.
When we give ourselves the space we need to pause and reflect on what’s happening around us, we’re able to be much more intentional in our actions. What’s more, we’re better resourced to handle whatever changes we’re living through; both the ones that we’ve chosen and those that life has thrown at us.
TW: this blog has a beautiful story and message in it, but does talk about childhood illness and bereavement.
I was reminded of the importance of this recently, when I pulled on one of my favourite hoodies with the words “just breathe” on the front. The words are written in the handwriting of a seven year-old girl called Charlotte. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to meet Charlotte, who passed away earlier this year after a long battle with leukaemia. But I learned her story from her aunt Kimberly, who I met through my work with the Transformational Leadership Council.
Kimberly shared that during Charlotte’s illness, she had to go through unpleasant procedures - like injections and blood tests - pretty regularly. Charlotte would tell herself to “just breathe”, to help her through the discomfort and pain. As a result of Charlotte’s illness, Kimberley was inspired to donate her own blood platelets to help Charlotte and other children. Whenever Kimberley was going to donate platelets, or if Charlotte was about to have any kind of treatment, they would remind each other to “just breathe”.
In the later stages of Charlotte’s illness, Kimberley had the words “just breathe”- in Charlotte’s own handwriting - made into hoodies, so that Charlotte’s message could continue to inspire others, even after she was gone. And that’s exactly what it has done for me.
It’s not always easy to maintain a positive outlook in the face of life’s challenges, or to remember to “just breathe” when things get a little tough. Sometimes, we all need a gentle nudge.
Charlotte’s story reminds me of two very important things. The first is that in life, we never know what impact we’re going to have, or how far our reach will extend. Charlotte lived with courage, intentionality and purpose, and in doing so, her reach extended much farther than she could probably ever have imagined.
The second thing is that given all the change and uncertainty I’m facing in my own life at the moment, it’s important to remember to pause and take some time out to reflect, even for a little bit. I need to follow Charlotte’s advice and “just breathe”. Personally, it’s not something that I find easy to do. I’m someone that always keeps myself really busy - both in my personal and professional life - and I often find it really challenging to take time out. In fact, it’s something that I actively have to give myself permission to do, even though I know that it’s vital.
If, like me, you know how important it is to “just breathe”, but it’s not something that comes easily to you, then check out my blog on slowing down and taking time to “just be” for some helpful tips. You can also read more about mindful breathing here.
My new book, “Untangled: a Practical and Inspirational Guide to Change We Choose and Change We Don’t”, out in November, is also full of useful tools, including tips on how mindful breathing can improve focus and awareness, and equip us for whatever change we’re living through right now. Visit untangledbook.com to register to be one of the first to know when you can pre-order your copy!
