Remember to take deep breaths: Observe and be still.

I looked around my house and saw so many things that I can fix or make better in some way, and that cost no money. All they take is time and energy. To do this, I had to be very still, breathe, and observe my house inside and out. I did this without feelings of guilt or pressure or blame, with no expectations, with no sense of time. It was a beneficial process.

I craved candy today for about 1 minute. I took deep breaths. I was still. I observed why I wanted the candy. It was just that slump time of day. So I did something else and forgot about the candy. It’s so hard to resist. I think the secret is not to resist, but to move on to something else.

This is such a good goal for avoiding arguments. I find that I misunderstand things sometimes, and this goal helps keep me from opening my big mouth before I get clarification.

to remember when I’m in the thick of things, emotions, events, and feel the need to say something. Sometimes it is best to WAIT before opening my mouth. I think of this goal often and it has simplified my life because I am less likely to get caught up in drama, at work and at home.

I need to remember to do this today during certain times.

Work is becoming increasingly more difficult because of cutbacks and politics. I’ve been doing this particular goal a lot lately on the job.

I’ll be in a workshop with people I don’t like and who don’t like me. Silence will be my shield, and breathing will be my weapon.

I was in two meetings on Friday that could have been toxic for me, but because I was very careful about getting involved, about speaking, and consciously thought of breathing, breathing before speaking, it was all right. There were some critical moments a couple of times in each meeting, but I became still and observed the moment, and was able to stay centered and detached from my own passion and ability to be open to attack. I am my best friend. I am my worst enemy. Love thy enemies, and keep them close.

I was in a toxic meeting at work. Two colleagues were very upset at each other, and one kept trying to pull me into the fray. I remained still, and spoke only at the end of the meeting. It was awful, but could have been worse if I had participated. I thought to listen to my breath and observe and be still. It also helped to block out some of the toxicity that was being expressed – I don’t remember all of the interchange between them, which is good. I don’t need that negative memory.

I followed these words, and had a less stressful conference. I was quiet more than spoke, and when I did speak, it meant something, not just trying to participate, but saying something of substance. Less is more. I used to be more this way, and then became so much more verbal during a couple of decades. Now I’m going back to a more careful sharing of words. I feel grown up.