When customer service is lacking
or the clerk is disrespectful
When traffic is backed up
and the line is unending
…remember to breathe

When payday seems too far away
or the checkbook won’t balance
When milk spills become a regular thing
and piles of laundry keep growing
…remember to breathe

When no one seems to listen
or the only conversation is arguing
When lonely becomes comfortable
and crying in a bowl of ice cream is a date
…remember to breathe

When the darkness is relentless
or weariness takes over
When the road ahead is bleak
and walking it is filled with dread
…remember to breathe

Your plight is not unknown
and you don’t face it all alone,
the traffic jam stalls thousands
thousands of others
just like you
who have
forgotten to breathe…

Remind them of that power
that breath of pure life
with a smile instead of a sneer
patience instead of a beep
faith in place of worry
strength to continue on
when others are weak…

It is when your heart allows hope
and your soul embraces love
that your blessing will be,
you’ll remember to breathe…