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My husband pulled on his gloves, motioning toward the door. He sensed my hesitation as I’d just returned from work, completely exhausted! I shrugged, mentally deciding if I was up for a stroll in 20-degree weather. Reluctantly, I grabbed my coat and put on my shoes. It had been months since I’d gone for a decent walk outdoors, and the fresh air couldn’t hurt.
As we walked around our neighborhood, we began talking about the future. We discussed our careers, upcoming goals, and motivational ideas for success. I brushed a frozen strand of hair past my face as I tried to match my husband’s steps. I struggled to quicken my pace as an overwhelming breeze stung my face with its icy touch. With each lap, I promised myself I’d venture inside to receive warmth, but I continued to press on. By the end, I was completely out of breath, and my legs consisted of jelly, but oddly, it was the best feeling. It was the first time in months that I felt a sense of peace wash over me, and I didn’t want it to end.
Taking a Breath
Somehow, exercising in frigid weather set the tone for the rest of my day. Despite my exhaustion, I felt encouraged by the clarity I had gained in a 45-minute walk. Not only did I feel more energetic, but my inner anxiety and stress slowly melted away. I felt a sense of belonging and peace in a world that felt out of control.
We live in a fast-paced world where it can be hard to stop for a moment and breathe. Whether we admit it or not, we all need to slow down and take a breath, take brain breaks. When stress consumes us and our worries replace peace, it can be challenging to rest our brains and rely on God’s timing. But, we are not alone.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song, I give thanks to Him.” (Psalm 28:7, NIV).
If you liked this, you may also like I Need Rest | Research Tested Benefits of Breaks
Madeleine Lowe writes from Indiana.
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