When life gives you Mondays...

OK, when I woke up this morning the only thing I was feeling was panic. Over the work ahead for the day. Over the state of the house after the all-weekend bathroom renovation kept us from doing anything else. Over upcoming events this week and long-range projects that can't be put off anymore. I ran downstairs at 6:30 a.m. to work on a column. I ran upstairs at 7 a.m. to make Olivia's lunch and check work emails. I ran here and ran there. Finally, I just stopped running. I stopped everything. And that's exactly what I needed on this crazy Monday.

Typically, when I get this busy, I figure I can't stop for even five minutes. Think of all I could accomplish in five minutes! But sometimes those five minutes of quiet or stillness or simply not running are just what we need to get us through the next eight hours or eight days. So I lit my little prayer candle, poured the last cup of coffee in the pot into my Mystic Monk mug and had a little heart-to-heart with God before eating a peaceful breakfast. Ahhhhh...That's better. Try it some Monday. Or any day that fills your heart and head with anxiety. Just stop. Do whatever it is that calms your soul -- light candles, go for a walk, take a bath, pour a cup of tea, take out a book of reflections -- and just be with God for five minutes. Suddenly the rest of the day will seem almost enjoyable. Have a great day and a great week!