Just breath or something

This whole balancing act we call "life" is difficult...like seriously. We have to be great and flawless moms, 100% involved step-moms but not too involved (only 100% involved when bio mom says it is ok and her self-esteem and self worth can handle it - so check in with her daily on what you are allowed to be for that day), and the epitome of the hardest working employee and on point each and every moment. On top of that, we want to be the best wife and best friend and best daughter, sister, cousin, dog mom.....whew, it is no wonder so many women face the high levels of stress that we do.

{Pauses to channel my inner Susan Powter - c'mon, you know you remember those commercials and infomercials}

STOP THE INSANITY!!!!

Who are we to think that we can do and be all?

Let's work on lowering your blood pressure and stress levels right now. And by you, I totally mean me but if you need to be listening to this as well...Let's do this.

1. Start the morning with some meditation.

I don't know about you all but I need to get deeper into my "zen self" by spending some time in the morning to steady myself, set my intentions for the day and prepare for the busyness of each day that day at a time. Maybe even to just take a deep breath or two and a nice little stretch to slow my day down before it even starts.

2. Take a breather

Throughout the day, I will take a moment here and there to simply breath. 5, maybe 10, nice, slow, deep breaths. In through the nose, hold, out through the nose. Sometimes I even close my eyes while taking my breaths and pretend I am on a beach full of the softest, finest white sand, where children under the age of 15 and bosses are not allowed. I may or may not have a bevvie in my hand and no food has calories. (If I am dreaming, I may as well make that dream as badass as I can, right?)


3. Prepare for the upcoming day

Each night I do as much as I can to prepare for the next day; make lunches for the kids, get my healthy meals and snacks prepped for the day, make sure each of us have laid out our clothes for the next day (including me) and have all the items we will need found and in appropriate backpacks and bags. No more running around like a crazed person looking for car keys, truck keys, notes to sign or homework...seriously, how will I ever function without that jolt of adrenaline because someone can't find something that is so important it will cause the implosion of the world if it is not found in the 3.5 free minutes that exist between getting kids out of bed, making breakfast, getting kids out of bed, getting kids out of bed, and oh yeah, getting kids out of bed.

4. End the day with some meditation

Clear your head. You did your best today. Don't beat yourself up over the could haves, would haves and should haves. If you didn't accomplish all you had on your list, stop putting such high expectations on yourself....or, if you really didn't do your best, let go of the guilt you are holding on to and stop beating yourself up.

Let go of what is not serving you...guilt, anger, frustration...let it go...

Maybe write in a gratitude journal, do some yoga, listen to some relaxing music, cuddle up to your honey or your dog and take some slow, deep, relaxing breaths.

Just chill, my homies. Your world will be a better place. For real...