The tendency for many of us is to jump out of bed thinking about all our problems, to-dos, text messages, etc. No wonder we want to hit the snooze button and pull the covers over our heads. The tasks of the day or week can feel overwhelming. It helps to ground ourselves spiritually before we tackle any of them. Don't go out unprepared spiritually.
By changing our morning thought patterns and behaviors, we reprogram our minds to focus on God's presence, provision and power in our lives FIRST. This brings us peace which ultimately gives us the strength and the courage to meet the challenges of the day.
2. Remember that God is in control.
A lot of anxiety comes from dwelling on things that are out of our control - world events, pandemics, the elections, the weather, what other people say or do. It is important to recognize the difference between what we can and cannot control. I was just talking to my mom about this. She's been so frustrated the past few years and I couldn't understand why. Then the light bulb went on.
"I know what's going on, " I said.
"Yeah, what?" Mom asked.
"You're losing control of stuff and so you are trying to control other stuff to compensate. You're frustrated because you are trying to control situations that are out of your control."
"You're so smart," she snapped.
Taking a deep breath, I said "It's true. You can't control when they deliver your meals. You can't control when the repair guy will come to fix the leak. You're frustrated over things that are out of your control."
All of the sudden the tone of her voice completely changed.
"You're right," she said meekly.
"Ma, it's natural but we all have to learn to let go of control at some point. And the truth of the matter is, we really don't have control over very much at all."
It was a breakthrough for both of us.
Remember that nothing happens without God's permission and that God is working all things out for our good in the long run. I have to remind myself - all. Even the bee sting in the pool last summer. Lesson, watch where you are swimming.
So much stress can be reduced by changing our perspective and learning to trust more and stress less. We never know what we will have to face in any given day, but we do know that God knows and that he will give us the grace - say Grace - to manage it calmly and confidently. But we have to do our part and cooperate.
3. Take a breath break.
This is a discipline I am trying to incorporate on a daily basis. Just sit down and breathe. Slowing down our breathing slows down our minds and bodies. It helps us to recalibrate. When I feel that "rat wheel" pull or feel anxious about some matter or situation, I immediately start to pray or if I can, sit down and meditate too. I've also incorporated tapping (EFT) to handle difficult emotions and process what I am feeling in the moment instead of ignoring it or letting it overtake me. When we sit down to breathe, we bring our minds and our emotions back to stillness.
Just yesterday, my sister, her son, and I were having a conversation about travel plans. Her voice kept going up and up and finally I said "Let's just all take a deep breath." It made everyone laugh and broke the tension.
4. The Pull of Busyness
The pull of busyness puts pressure on us which can pull us into a maelstrom of anxiety, frustration, and impatience. Having too much to do can exhaust us so we don't have the patience or the energy to be the kind, loving, patient people we desire to be. One of my son's favorite phrases is "Less is more" and it is so true.
We plan our days to the max, leaving little room for MARGIN. You know, like the space on the sides of a sheet of notebook paper. Margin makes space for stuff that takes longer, for something else to take precedence, for a mistake to be made, for somebody to forget something.
As a single mom, I had the tendency to go go go because I always had so much on me and so little help, but then one day I realized I had to pace myself at work so I would have energy left to deal with my boys at the end of a hard work day. I didn't go out with the folks to happy hour. I drove straight home to pick up the kids from day-care before 6 pm to avoid extra fees. I prioritized time with my family over time at work. I know someone needs to hear this. Who or what do you need to reprioritize?
5. Talk to God During the Day.
This is something Brother Lawrence did all thru his day. We can talk to God anytime, anyplace. Really. We don't have to be in church, or in any other religious place. Connecting with your breath brings you into the presence of God.
The problem is we rarely think about our breath because our heads are so preoccupied with everything else. It is a habit we can develop, just like talking to our spouse or significant other. I have learned to take a pause break after each activity, instead of rushing right from one thing to another on auto-pilot like I used to do.
I go for a walk, have a cup of tea, or just pause to breath and ask for direction. I ask God what should I do next and then I listen.
Personal Story
Due to the cold weather, I haven't been out much lately. Today, I went to the library to pick up some books, and then sat there in the car debating what to for lunch. Thai food? Chinese food? With no clear answer, I headed home waiting for direction. As I was driving, I remembered the empanadas I had made and then I knew what I wanted for lunch. Home it was. We don't have to nor is it good to run on auto-pilot. Stop and think. What do I really want to do next?
When I feel the prick of unease, I listen. When I feel that still small voice warn me, I listen. We need to keep the lines of communication open so we can receive the guidance God is sending us. It could be for direction, protection, or decision-making, but we have to tune in.
6. Do something kind for someone else.
When we take our minds off ourselves and our problems, this allows God to step in and assist. When we are constantly thinking about what is next on our agenda or worrying about stuff, God takes a seat and says "Go ahead. Knock yourself out". God wants to help us. Sometimes we just have to stop and go help somebody else.
Last week, for example, I was feeling frustrated dealing with two laptops that both had major problems, a faulty new dryer, some unknown stomach pains and software issues with OneDrive and Office. What did I do? I picked up the phone and called my elderly mother in Texas and helped her with some of her financial concerns. I felt better and so did she. When you are at wit's end, stop, and reach out to be a blessing to someone else. There is always someone in need of a call, a smile, a word of encouragement, a card or a gift. Just listen to the gentle inner prompting and you'll be surprised at what you'll hear.
Now we all like to think we can handle everything ourselves. But - some things require the supernatural hand of God. It's when you feel like throwing up your hands in resignation. When things seem insurmountable or unfair and you don't know what to do next, there is a simple act we can do and that is call on Jesus.
I've learned there is great power in simply uttering the precious name of Jesus. "Jesus, help me." is a powerful plea. Try it and see. Immediate peace will flood your being. Jesus is the next level of connection with God. Jesus is peace. Real peace. Peace you cannot get from the world or from yoga class.
For reflection
Which of these tips can you implement this week? If you, too, would like a deeper sense of God's presence in your life, join me in these simple steps. Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. Let us know if you notice a difference in your day.
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Stay tuned for more positive and practical wisdom to help you ignite the power within and find healing, wholeness, and harmony in the New Year.
Until next time, keep looking up!
Ariel Paz 
