After seemingly endless days of unpacking boxes, trying to fit a house-worth of stuff into an apartment, dealing with cranky kids going through way too many transitions at once, doing ALL the laundry after fourteen days on the road, and looking for stable jobs, trustworthy daycares, and new friends and favorite places, we took a much-needed respite to Kettle River last weekend to spend some time camping with the cousins. After setting up our tent, Greg and I were able to sneak away for 30 minutes to kayak--and I quickly realized the water was not the slow-floating springs I was used to.

The current started picking up, and when I lifted my eyes all I saw were white caps. Sure that I was about to fall head-first into icy water, I anxiously held my breath and braced myself for impact. Phew, somehow I made it over the first wave unscathed. I took a moment to slow down, relax, and focus on the next wave, which was quickly approaching. Then I tackled the next one (I was still dry)! And then the next. It wasn't long before I had made it out of choppy water and back into the calm.

When another set of rapids came up a few minutes later, I was ready! I realized that the sight of endless white caps can be overwhelming, but if I took the water a wave at a time, I could get through it.

Back on dry land, I decided to take what the river had taught me and shift my perspective on what I was avoiding back at home. My bedroom is still a mess (waiting on hangers), and the kitchen table is covered with frames that need to be hung, but the bathroom is more organized, the laundry did get done, and I know we will settle in...eventually.

What is causing you anxiety today? Can the task be broken down and tackled in smaller parts? Can you take a moment to stop and celebrate your successes, no matter how small? Did you intend to take a 60-minute Barre class this morning but needed to switch to an Express format? Give yourself praise. You still showed up. You still tried hard. You are worthy and wonderful, and we love you!