The past few days were spent in a blur of meetings. I easily lose my equilibrium when I am running from meeting to meeting, becoming over stressed and off balance. Although my food choices were OK, eating hurriedly on the run is as stressful on my well-being as eating too many avoids. My breathing also becomes off kilter, with way too much “fight or flight” chest breathing and not enough deep, healthy belly breathing, thus creating a state of constant mild hyperventilation.

It got to the point if one more person asked me to do something for them, I thought I’d explode! So I took that as a sign to slow down and recoup. I skipped my morning meeting today - heavenly! and went for a walk instead. Then I came home and took a short nap and rested for awhile. I felt oh so much better! I have just one more rather long but important meeting tomorrow and then nothing next week except a hoity-toity art reception in the middle of the week.

Yes, I am breathing better already.

This past weekend I spent a lovely evening with a group of women friends, many of whom I haven’t seen in years. We were in a women’s group together, and many have since moved away. It was wonderful to hear their journeys through life since we had last gathered, many sorrows and joys and sharing in womanspirit.

Of course, when women gather there is always food. Fortunately, there were many raw veggies to munch on. I did indulge in a couple of the several desserts available - always in abundance at women’s gatherings - and felt good about it. I didn’t enjoy the desserts very much, however. I guess I prefer my own compliant cooking after all.