I recently attended a first aid training at work. It had been a long time since I reviewed any kind of first aid information, and I've come to realize that it's always a good thing to get a refresher. There are a lot of things to consider and think about when trying to help people who might need first aid help, but our instructor was great and broke down some basic steps to check. He walked us through a list of things to consider, and a lot of different scenarios. At a certain point in the training, it got overwhelming, with so many factors and potential outcomes. I knew that we weren't training to be medical doctors in 4 hours, and no one was expecting us to do exams or make a diagnosis, but nonetheless, it felt heavy.

Much like a lot of things going on in the stratosphere, there is a lot going on, and it can sometimes feel pretty heavy if we take it all in. Then as he ended the session, Ed, our instructor, dropped a golden nugget of wisdom. He said:

It was a relief to simplify the situation, and I found this statement profound and applicable to a lot more than a first aid situation. Our breath is the most important thing to keep us physically alive, and we often take it for granted. Each day our bodies effortlessly breath - bringing in oxygen and processing it to ensure our entire system is working. I think that's just amazing, and wanted to capture the simple, yet profound thought for the day.

Just breathe.

I heard somewhere recently that we have until the middle of the month to say 'happy new year'! So, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Regardless of that thought, I think that it's always good to count our blessings and share blessings at the start of a new year. Usually there's so much potential, hope, and optimism at the start of a new year, and in these uncertain times I find it even more important than ever to reach within and find things to be grateful and hopeful for.

I've started the year continuing the journey and jumping into to new opportunities with writing picture books. I joined the 12 x 12 challenge, which is essentially is a challenge to write 12 books in 12 months, with a built in community, resources, and various opportunities for feedback. I've been waiting to join since last March when I found out about it (registration closed in February). January is also Storystorm - which is a self-motivated and regulated challenge to come up with 30 picture book ideas in 30 days. Both of these endeavors are intimidating, exciting, and challenging, and I couldn't think of another way to start the year on this journey. 

​Here's to a fabulous year ahead!