via Amber White’s post

There are times when life is like a freight train hurtling along at full speed, keeping us rushed off our feet and leaving us frantic. We feel things are out of control and are easily overwhelmed or discouraged by challenges that seem impossible to handle or overcome.

Psst. That’s your cue to pull your emergency lever.

You are always in the driver’s seat. You decide exactly how much you let in and how much you keep out. You run the show. You ARE the boss.

“But Otiti,” I hear you say, “I have this crazy deadline at work & my boss will KILL me if I’m late and my family takes all my time and my paper is due and . . .”

I hear you. I do. That’s why I’m telling you: PULL THE DAMN LEVER.

We often forget that we can simply unplug and walk away. Recharge. Recoup. Soak up the quiet and calm the frenzy. We can always do all of the above. You can always do all of the above. You just have to remember that it’s okay to look after yourself.

Nobody is too busy to be still for a few minutes each day; if you are, change your pace right now. Being consciously still soothes your mind and fosters clarity; calm; focus. When things get too frenetic, taking a step back will bring the bigger picture to the forefront of your mind and show you how that pressing issue isn’t as earth-shatteringly important as you think. It doesn’t have to be all-consuming because it isn’t. But we’re usually too busy + stressed out to remember that, right?

So pull your emergency lever today or whenever you need to. Instead of your train slamming to a sudden halt, let it coast to a gentle stop; a jarring jolt is the last thing you need when you’re trying to slow down, no?

It’s OK to take a breather.

It’s OK to rest.

It’s OK to stop and take care of yourself before you fall apart under pressure.

You don’t have to be superhuman. You don’t have to dash about nonstop. You only have to give your all without losing it all, without losing your self in the process.

Let yourself breathe. And breathe again. Then own those things you gotta.