Just Breathe

Just Breathe

Remembering to breathe has been my saving grace—and it can be yours, too.

By Jessi Franz

These four little words have been my saving grace for many years. Don’t forget to breathe. It sounds so simple right? We breathe in, we breathe out, it doesn’t take much thought. It’s a natural thing for the body to do. Breathing is the process of moving air into and out of the lungs, mostly to bring in oxygen and flush out carbon dioxide. But to me, taking that intentional deep breath means so much more… Control is something we, as humans, are constantly seeking. We naturally crave and desire it. We “need” control over our finances, our families, our children, our belongings. We prefer complete control over how our day goes, what we think, and what we say. We want to control how people perceive us and their opinions of us. We control how we look by spending thousands of dollars to change our appearance, going on new diet plans, and purchasing name-brand clothing. We control our emotions—God forbid someone perceives us as weak. Here’s the thing: Trying to control every area of our lives will drive us insane. In reality, what we do have control over is very limited. When we try to control everything, we enjoy nothing, and we forget to just…breathe—and that’s the one thing we do have control over. Don’t forget to breathe…My husband’s favorite words to our kids when they are melting down: “Breathe.” I remember my dad saying these words to me when my best friend, my grandpa, passed away. It rocked my little 8-year-old world. Here I am, now 31 years old, and I still remember it like it was yesterday. The heartache, the pain, the confusion. I remember screaming at night, “He’s coming back.” My dad told me, “Just breathe.” I remember the waking up to the doctors telling me, “don’t forget to breathe” when I overdosed. When I was raped, and my body was being taken over and violated by a monster, I remember thinking, “Don’t forget to breathe.” I remember being screamed at and spit on by a man who “loved me” and just repeating over and over, “Don’t forget to breathe.” I remember my now husband saying these four simple words to me before walking into an ugly custody battle over my girls…“Don’t forget to breathe.” Remembering to breathe has been my saving grace—and it can be yours, too. Life is constantly surrounding us with ugly things and disappointing ideals. Social media, the news, people’s arrogant opinions: We are being told what to think and how to believe; we are constantly being told we are wrong. Don’t forget to breathe. When you are hanging on my a thread and don’t know how much more you can take, don’t forget to breathe. When you’re sending your children out into the world, don’t forget to breathe. When you’re stuck at home with them, don’t forget to breathe. When you’ve lost a loved one and the heartache seems too much to bear, don’t forget to breathe. When you’re going around and around in circles with your spouse because you can’t just seem to get on the same page anymore, don’t forget to breathe. When your world has been shaken to the core, and you just cannot seem to catch a break, do not forget to breathe. Decrease the stress, increase the calm. Detoxify your body of the overwhelming feelings of anxiety and negativity. Be intentional with your breathing. Calm those heavy emotions you have been tirelessly carrying. Relax your mind. It’s been working overtime. Show yourself some grace and don’t forget to breathe.

Jessi Franz is the wife of an amazing, supportive husband, TJ, and she has four beautiful children. She is a public speaker, university graduate with my BA in Behavioral Sciences, certified Master Life Coach, Recovery Coach, Relationship Coach, Goal Success Life Coach, Happiness Life Coach and Life Purpose Life Coach. Jessi has made it her life’s mission to help as many people as possible, in all walks of life, to find peace during chaos and confidence in their authentic Self, and to help them embrace their personal journeys. She has completed extensive studies on many therapeutic techniques to help beautiful souls overcome adversity, whatever it may be, and to reach their full potential. Contact her at jessifranz90@gmail.com.