In....then, Out.

I'm teaching relaxation strategies to my darling students at work this week.
We are working on visualization, muscle constriction/release and breathing deeply.

"In through your nose for four seconds, out through your mouth."

I will say that phrase quite realistically 50 times today.
Thankfully...
I need the reminder.

I attempting to do my best to hang on to those hope and perseverance traits I've become so dependant on these past few years.  I think perhaps I've relied on them a little too strongly because it feels as if the soft threading is slipping through my fingers. 
I'm not going to tempt karma and format our struggles into a whiny, self-depreciating list.
Although, I'll say for the record that I'm certain we've hit our quota of major life stressors happening simultaneously.

So, for today -
I'm dangling from my tattered cloths of hope, putting a smile on my face, and going to work. 
Fighting tears.
But, I'm here.

And, I am breathing.