Chapter 1: The Hectic Morning

Yesterday unfolded with an unexpected rush. My day began at 6 a.m., and I was immediately swept into a whirlwind of activity. I started with a trip to the gym, then dashed home to prepare my daughter’s lunch box. Next, I had to register for some urgent activities for my kids, followed by dropping them off at school and daycare. Remarkably, just 15 minutes after returning from drop-offs, I was scheduled for three consecutive calls.

These brief moments between drop-offs and my calls were supposed to be my time for a quick breakfast. However, as I drove home, I felt a wave of frustration wash over me. Why did I overcommit myself? There seemed to be no opportunity to catch my breath!

Then, a calming thought emerged: You can breathe right now. I was taken aback by the clarity and simplicity of this realization. Yes, my morning had been hectic. Yes, I had overextended myself. Yes, I was racing home to eat and prepare for my calls. But I acknowledged that the drive would take its own time. How could remaining stressed benefit me?

In the last few minutes of my drive, I chose to relax. I focused on taking deep breaths. By concentrating on my breathing, I found myself becoming more serene and centered within minutes.

Section 1.1: The Illusion of Tomorrow

Life often leads us to chase an elusive future. We tell ourselves, "Once I finish my calls, I can finally relax," or, "When I complete that task, then I’ll feel at ease." The truth is, there will always be more to do—more calls, more obligations, more responsibilities. Meanwhile, life continues to unfold in this very moment.

Subsection 1.1.1: A Moment of Reflection