She opens her eyes from her bed, hearing the drops of rain splash against the foggy window. A wet day.
The blankets warm her toes when she notices her shoulder is exposed and cold. She pulls the blankets up and over, allowing her head to sink into the pillow for one more minute. A deep breath in, filling her lungs to capacity, stretching her chest like a rubber band ready to shoot but then collapsing back into a pile. Breathing out for as long as she wants.
She slides to her back, allowing her toes to stretch, reaching the horizon where the blankets tuck into the mattress. They fight for space while her fingers reach out to each side to brag about their limitless acreage. Then, with a big swing, she sits herself up and onto the edge of the bed. Her back curves, pulling her muscles into awakeness.
Finally, she slides on her slippers and starts to smell the coffee brewing. Her robe slides on and she ties the tie on just tight enough to keep everything in place. She walks to the counter and grabs her warm cup of coffee, her steps in time with the raindrops. The mix of rain and coffee perfume the air, swirling around her like a light blanket on a spring day.
Next to the window, she allows her body to fall into a big cozy chair. Here, she grabs her soft-bound book, smelling the pages as it creaks open. Pages flip flip flip to find her spot, breeze the fine hairs around her face just enough. The words dance together in unison, like a waltz in a black and white movie where everyone somehow knows the steps. The coffee warms her insides with each sip, ensuring protection from the inside out, the bitterness of the familiar. 
Do you hear that? Quiet. Just her breath and the shifting of the novel telling her a story of a life she has never lived. She closes her eyes to fully absorb the absence of noise. The softness of her chair. The peace of nature leaking outside as she is protected from the storm. Protected. Peaceful. Quiet.
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Take a minute. Allow yourself to enjoy the moment. Ease into your surroundings when you can, tuning into the world like the sun rising instead of a rocket ship into space. Pay attention to what is around, what naturally occurs, what you have set up for yourself in moments of intention. You put those pictures on the wall for a reason – look at them! You love your morning cup of coffee – taste it! Lean into each of your senses, giving each ample time to be championed for their own significance.
The other day, I read someone who suggested trying to experience the world as if it is all new to you. The beauty of a tree, the awe of a winter storm, the strength of a child. What is in front of us is powerful and amazing.
Moments of mindfulness are important, healing, and therapeutic. If the story above does not work for you, take time to create your own, allowing yourself to really pay attention to yourself in a space that you imagine. A place that brings you joy and makes you feel safe. Guided imagery can be particularly useful to reduce stress, distract from worries or pain, improve your mood, and lower your heart rate. Even more, it can be especially useful on those nights you lay in bed with thoughts swirling around, seeming to be on a track of their own. Create your own track with your own trip. Go on that trip, even if it is hard at first. You’ll feel more in-control of your thoughts and intentions.
Also consider doing guided imagery or mindfulness when things feel out of control in your home. If the kids are too crazy, if no one is listening, take 1 minute for yourself in a quiet room, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and lean into a safe and calming space. That 1 minute can literally help you re-regulate long enough to try again and make choices that feel good. You are powerful. Your thoughts are powerful. One minute is powerful! And if you don’t have 1 minute, do 5.
Let me know if you give it a try!
