Whenever I feel anxious or overwhelmed, I focus on my breath.  I take a few deep breaths and then I switch from the short shallow breaths of anxiety and overwhelm to take slow deep breaths instead.  This helps to calm me down and makes me able to focus on what else I need to do to help me calm down and lessen my anxious feelings.  

I remember what a friend says to me when I tell them I’m anxious and feel like I’m drowning, because, let's face it it can feel like we can't get our breath.  She always says to think of five things I am grateful for.  Only five, but I often end up thinking of many more than that.  

After a few turbulent weeks, I’m deciding to share a gratitude list with you.  It will contain some regular things and some will vary from time to time, it’s whatever comes to mind at the moment.  I do sometimes write down my lists in a notebook (I do love a notebook) but more often than not, ones made in these situations are just thought and focused on for a while until thinking of what I am thankful for along with my breathing have calmed me down and made me feel happier, more hopeful and more positive.

I am grateful for;

The home that shelters me,

My blog so I can get my words and voice out there,

You the readers of my blog who are reading my words,

The food in the cupboards to nourish me,

Clean running water to cleanse me, wash my clothes and to hydrate me,

My awesome friends who are always there to help and support me,

Fresh air to help me breathe,

My job which enables me to eat and live in my own place,

Quiet solitude so I can think and work on healing myself,

The first sip of a fresh cup of tea.

Those are just a few things that I have thought of now.  I could go on and come up with a few more but I would like to get this up on my blog this morning for you all.