Normally, when I see the word “Breathe,” I think of the Faith Hill song.  I think of the video for that song.  The video and song are pure seduction.

Today, though, I am thinking of taking time to breathe, taking time to “be present” in today.  I have had many thoughts about taking time to be lately and have talked about two reasons in the entry entitled “Quotable.” As I  was reading Lindsey’s blog this morning, I was again reminded of being present in the moment, the present.

Then, as if I needed more of a nudge to think through my life and what I want, I read this quote in an email.

I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see. – John Burroughs, essayist and naturalist

The corresponding thoughts that came with this email said that before you go any further, write the following words on the top of a piece of paper.  I CANNOT DO EVERYTHING.  As a woman – we seem to multi-task more than our male counterparts – and a mother – we really seem to be pulled in so many directions on a daily basis, I need constant reminding that I cannot do everything.  I spend a lot of each day trying and in the process lose a lot of precious moments each day.

By admitting and truly realizing we cannot do everything, our lives are forced to be prioritized.  We must choose what is more important.  Is working another four hours on a Saturday important?  Or is spending time with my kids and friends more of a priority?  By realizing that we do prioritize, we can then not do the truly low priority items.

Priorities bring peace of mind. They help you relax, knowing that you’re doing all you can by making the most of your opportunities. Low priorities are the seeds of wasted time. And days don’t need any help getting shorter.

Take the time today to do those priorities at the top of your list.  Stretch your day, the seconds, the minutes, the hours as much as you can.