slow down and breathe

a few years ago, i heard a sermon from which one tiny tidbit has stuck in my head and still pops out occasionally and i’d like to share it with you. the preacher talked about how sometimes when she gets stuck behind a really slow-moving vehicle on the road, her first instinct is angry frustration, but her second instinct is to take a deep breath and thank them for a gentle reminder to slow down. perhaps she was driving too fast or perhaps it’s just a good reminder to slow down in general. i have taken this to heart so that i too, become less frustrated (sometimes) when i find myself in slow traffic.

i’ve also recently applied this concept to the water fountain at work. when i’m trying to fill my water bottle, it takes a little while for our water fountain to fill it completely. instead of getting impatient and tapping my foot, i find that it’s a great reminder to take deep breaths, be in the moment and be thankful for a small reminder to slow down.

anyone else feel like life moves at the speed of craziness? what reminds you to breathe?