“The calm you already carry”

The after-summer rush to get my routine back on track can feel like too much. I put so much pressure on myself to have it all figured out by the first week of school — and honestly, it never works that way.

Typically, I power through. Which means I get irritable, snappy, short. Or I swing the other way and let my flight-or-freeze response take over… and then nothing gets done at all.

That’s usually my pattern. But lately, I’ve been trying something different. Instead of spiraling, I pause. I close my eyes, put my hand on my chest, and take three slow breaths. Nothing magical, just steady. And within a minute, I feel my body soften.

Internal Resources → Your Built-In Reset

Last week, we talked about who’s in your corner and how external support matters. But there will always be times when your corner feels empty — when no one is awake, available, or answering.

That’s when internal resources come in.

Think of them as tools you carry everywhere:

• Your breath

• Your ability to notice your body and ground in the present

• A phrase, scripture, or mantra you lean on

• The memory of a place that makes you feel safe

These aren’t fluffy ideas. There are ways of helping your nervous system remember: I am safe right now.

A Simple Practice to Try

The next time you feel the swirl of overwhelm:

1. Pause and place your hand over your chest.

2. Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4, out for 6.

3. Remind yourself: I can come back to calm. It’s already here.

It takes less than a minute. And it works anywhere — school pickup line, bathroom break at work, even in the middle of making dinner.

A Prayer for Calm

Lord, this morning I feel scattered and unsettled. My emotions are tangled, and I can’t seem to find my rhythm. Meet me here in the mess. Breathe Your peace into me. Bring calm to my body and clarity to my mind, so I can see what truly needs my attention today. Amen.

Scripture to Hold Onto:

Gentle Reminder 💛

Even if your corner feels empty, you are not without resources.

Your breath, your body, your prayer, your inner voice — they’re always available.

This week, notice the calm you already carry.

By the Fire Pit 🔥

📖 What I’m Reading: Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach — on meeting yourself with compassion when life feels too much.

🎧 What I’m Listening To: A short meditation on Insight Timer called One Minute to Reset.

Maybe one of these will meet you where you are. Think of it as a little gift from my corner to yours.

Until next time,

💛 Moya