What would happen if you took a second to breathe and think?

Better decisions would be made, To smell the roses, is to embrace the world around them, Consider the thorns, the fields, the sky above, the aroma. Taking a second to breathe and think puts a thought into context. And when it is context, we can consider and analyse more holistically. Thus better decisions can be made.

By breathing and thinking we allow the voice in our heads to be heard. We should listen to them, they speak our own unique truth that only we are privy too. I’m not saying the voice is always right but they do give us the opportunity to consider, challenge and grow.

What’s one thing you can do today to make tomorrow easier?

To be fair my life is pretty easy as it is. COVID life has left me living and breathing within the same four walls. I leave the house to go for a walk and that’s about it.

One thing I do everyday is a simple Yoga routine. It loosens the muscles, and reduces the stiffness when I’m sitting in the office chair. It gives me time to breathe and gain focus on the day ahead. It releases the tensions and also makes my body feel alive.

Going to bed and then waking up with that ‘alive’ feeling definitely makes the tomorrows easier.

Does getting angry/upset make things better or worse?

I’ve always been a believer in keeping a cool head. Letting your emotions get the best of you only hurts you, no one else. Most of the time when we’re angry or upset, the person behind it doesn’t know, realise or care.

So it only makes it worse for you. The heat building up and the tension headaches or in my case, I cry when I’m angry. It can be consuming and paralysing. It can send you spiralling.

When I am upset or angry I write out the situation on a piece of paper or in a word document. It helps me make sense of my what I am feeling. It also can help in moving forward.

I breathe. I take stock and then I react.

What assumptions should you be questioning?

Assuming I can’t do something before even trying to do it. For example, today was a win. I had previously assumed that I could not walk for an hour because I was too unfit and would become too tired. But today, I made myself a deal. I was going to walk the established 45 min circuit around the block, stopping on each corner for a rest / shake out. I assumed it would be to hard and I was wrong. Granted it was a leisurely stroll, but it was done with easily. I mean I got pins and needles in my foot at one point… but a little perseverance got me through.

I think it’s something to consider.

I shouldn’t assume I can’t do something until I’ve tried it.

What can you say YES to today for more opportunity?

“COVID made me fat. So I am going to spend the next 100 days consistently dieting and exercising. Want to join me?”

This is a message I received today and I thought apt to the proposed question. But was my first instinct to say YES… no, it wasn’t. I think my answer was a non-committal depends what you had in mind.

But I am saying yes.

Because that’s what Lady Witchazel (pictured) would do.

The task is easy 1000 or so calories a day and 1-2 hours exercise.

What’s so hard about that?

Consistency.

She is my relentless archenemy.

But like my alter ego, Lady WH, I will not let her defeat me.