I’ve been thinking about my OLW for 20 or so days now…I think I keep avoiding the word that keeps coming to me and I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because I think I want something better? Something more unique or inspiring or…ugh. Well, I’m over that now. My word is BREATHE. Over the last few years, I’ve had feelings of anxiety start to creep into my life. It all started with a job with a description that I loved, but it was at a building where I really struggled. There were a lot of private tears shed that year and even a few the next. However, as life does, a new path was presented to me that led me to my current position, which may open up even more opportunities for me. Still, those anxious feelings still manage to creep in sometimes. It happens mostly when I’m in crowds. My heart rate changes and I get grouchy. Very noticeably grouchy. It’s not pretty. And I need to remind myself to breathe. And keep breathing.
So as I add more stress to my life, and my kids get more involved and I find myself in crowded gyms or malls or grocery stores and I know I have no control over those things…I breathe.
Creative Chaos 
Aaaah, breathing does feel good and helps center us. I hope “breathe” does well for you in 2014! Thanks so much for joining our community today. I hope you will come back next week and all the weeks after. Great to have you here.
OLW is a great reminder for when things overwhelm. Your word will help you through situations where you might struggle. Welcome to slicing! Keep writing and breathing and good things will come your way.
Welcome to SOL. I like your word. It reminds be that at times life in general gets so hectic that we all tend to hyperventilate. These are the times when we need to step back , slow down, and remind ourselves to breathe. Good luck with your word.
Welcome to our Slicing Community!! So glad you’re here – can’t wait to read about your journey this year with your OLW! Your description of how you feel when you get stressed is EXACTLY how I feel, too. My OLW this year is “float” – for the very same reasons you mentioned. I thought about choosing “breathe” also. It’s a great reminder, isn’t it?
I love your word. I have to remind myself to BREATHE on a regular basis.
Welcome to slicing! You’ll find it awesome— and a great opportunity to BREATHE.
Welcome to our writing community! You’ve chosen just the right word for you, I feel, and where you are in life. How wonderful, though, that you are finally in a building where you can “breathe” more easily!
Welcome to SOL and a powerful word! There are many, many, times when I have to remind myself to breathe through anxious moments and times of uncertainty in life.
Breathe sounds like the perfect word to guide you through your year. Hopefully this new path will bring peace and stillness so you can breathe!
Good reminder. Great word. My principal has been reminding us to breathe at faculty meetings. Your description brought the memory of her words to mind. Lots of change–your description of the stress is spot on. Thank you for sharing it.
Great OLW! As our lives get hectic and overwhelming, it is good to take a step back and breathe, to calm us down and help get thru those difficult moments. Welcome to our community of slicers. It’s an amazing group!
Breathe is such a stress-relieving, positive word! (I need to BREATHE a little more myself!) I know exactly how you feel. Welcome to slicing — you will find lots of support here! 🙂
Breathe is perfect. And when you find yourself in a different place – see how breathing can also help you take in the different smells and atmosphere to add to the enjoyment of your relaxing breath. Yeah, you can go in a lot of directions with breathe, and it is so good as a reminder to stop hyperventilating!
Breathe is a great word! We all need that reminder to pause and take a breath. It’s good for the mind, body, and soul especially during those stressful situations! Best of luck breathing this year!
Welcome to the Tuesday slicing-so glad you joined us! I think you picked your word because you needed “that one” at this time in your life. It will be the hug you need sometimes, and the lift when things aren’t going so well. Hope to see you back next week!
Isn’t this the reason we choose OLWs? They help us walk the road ahead of us. I am so glad you joined us on the road of blogging and slicing!