When anxiety takes the lead,
Let us begin together with three slow,
Steady breaths.
Inhale gently,
And let the exhale be long and reassuring.
This time,
Let your out-breath be longer than your in-breath.
One more time,
Allow your body to feel that it is safe to be here now.
If anxiety has arrived suddenly,
If your breath feels shallow,
If your body feels overwhelmed,
Sweaty,
Shaky,
Or unsure,
Know this first,
Nothing has gone wrong.
Anxiety is not a failure of character.
It is not a sign that you are broken,
Lost,
Or behind.
It is our nervous system asking for care,
For grounding,
For presence.
In moments like this,
The mind often asks painful questions.
Who am I now?
What is my purpose?
Why am I not doing enough?
And these questions can spiral into harsh self-talk,
Into heaviness,
Into despair.
But listen,
Listen closely,
Beloved.
Right now,
Purpose does not need to be solved.
Right now,
Purpose can be simple.
Let me remind you that when the mind races into the future,
The body calls us back to the present.
So let this moment be enough.
Soften your facial muscles,
Relax your jaw joints,
Let your shoulders hang heavy.
Place one hand on your heart,
One hand on your belly,
If that feels comfortable.
Feel the temperature of your palms against your body.
Feel the gentle movement of breath beneath your hands.
Even if the breath is small,
Let it be honest,
Let it be yours.
In this moment,
Your purpose is breathing.
In this moment,
Your purpose is staying with yourself.
Your purpose is choosing you not to abandon yourself.
Stay here and breathe.
Think of purpose not as a destination,
But as a ripple,
A small intentional moment that moves outward.
A single breath taken with awareness,
A grateful thought upon waking,
A kind word offered inward instead of criticism,
A quiet blessing spoken to your body,
Thank you for carrying me.
These small ripples matter because ripples grow.
Fearful thoughts,
When repeated,
Can ripple into waves of fear.
But gentle thoughts,
Thoughts of trust,
Gratitude and care,
Can ripple into waves of steadiness,
Of resilience,
Of hope,
Of self-love.
You do not need to create joy all at once.
You only need to choose one kinder thought right now.
One breath that says,
I am still here.
One moment that says,
This is enough.
Anxiety may visit,
But it does not define you.
It is a weather pattern,
Not the sky.
And you,
Beloved,
Are far larger than this moment.
Let us take three more slow breaths together.
Breathing in reassurance,
Breathing out self-judgment.
Again,
Breathing in steadiness,
Breathing out urgency.
One last breath,
Allowing this moment to be exactly as it is.
If your eyes are closed,
Open your eyes gently.
Your anchor for the day.
What small ripple of kindness can I offer myself right now?
Let these words softly land on your heart space.
And as you move through your day,
Return to this gentle breathing practice whenever you need.
Sending you love from my heart to yours.
