Wise Words from Myself to Myself

Original Photo by Cecilia Marie Pulliam

Every morning, I wake with a prayer of praise on my lips for another day here on this earth. But after that, my mind takes off on its usual race, listing the many things I want to accomplish.

Then, these words popped up in a Facebook memory.

To all the overly serious: Relax. Laugh more. It will all still get done — or not. Some things are not all that important. Prioritize with God in mind and watch your stress melt away. Have a great day.


Too many times I merely glimpsed the beautiful sunsets and hurried on to something else. But not last night.

I set everything aside, even my camera, and sat on the porch swing.

Birdsong and the distant rush of the creek were the only sounds to breach the silence. A warm breeze carried the clean scents of wet grass and sage, the aftermath of the earlier thunderstorm. In the west, the sky blazed neon orange and gold, setting the eastern hills ablaze with color.

I breathed, relaxed, prayed, and soaked in the peace of God’s beautiful earth.

I hope to repeat, as often as I can, stepping away from the business for a few moments. I’m sure God will remind me often. Sometimes with my own words.

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me to pause and simply breathe. Amen.