A Moment to Breathe: Finding Peace in the Everyday Chaos

As Black women, we carry so much on our shoulders. We’re the backbone of our families, communities, and so often, we’re the glue that holds everything together. We’re taught to be strong, resilient, and to keep pushing no matter what. But in all that pushing, where do we find the time to just breathe?

I used to think breathing was just something our bodies did to keep us going—a necessity, but nothing special. But I’ve learned that a deep, intentional breath can be a radical act of self-care, a powerful way to reclaim our peace in a world that often tries to take it from us.

I’ll never forget a moment not too long ago when I was feeling completely overwhelmed. You know how it is—balancing work, family, relationships, and everything in between. The expectations were endless, and it felt like no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t catch up. My mind was racing, my body was tense, and I was on the verge of burning out. Then, in the middle of all that chaos, something inside me whispered, “Sis, just breathe.”

It sounds so simple, almost too simple, but I stopped what I was doing, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. A real, slow, deep breath that filled my lungs and brought me back to myself. That breath didn’t erase all my problems, but it gave me a moment of calm, a small space to just be. In that space, I remembered that I’m not just here to survive—I’m here to thrive.

As Black women, we often put everyone else’s needs before our own. We’re so used to being the caretakers, the nurturers, the ones who hold it all together. But we need moments to care for ourselves, too. That deep breath was a reminder that I’m human, that I deserve to take up space, and that I deserve to find peace in my day, no matter how hectic things get.

Since then, I’ve tried to make taking those moments to breathe a part of my routine. It’s become a kind of sacred ritual for me. When I’m feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just plain tired, I pause, close my eyes, and breathe deeply. It’s like hitting the reset button. It reminds me that no matter what’s going on around me, I have the power to find my center again.

And let me tell you, it’s not just about me. When I take that breath, I’m a better woman for the people I care about. I’m more patient, more loving, and more present. I can show up for my loved ones in a way that feels real and grounded, instead of frazzled and stretched thin.

I think we underestimate the power of these small acts of self-care. We’re so used to the idea that taking care of ourselves has to be something big, like a trip to the spa or a weekend getaway. But sometimes, all we need is a breath. Just one deep breath to remind us that we’re here, that we’re enough, and that we deserve to be at peace.

So, if you’re feeling like life is getting a little too hectic (and let’s be real, sis, who isn’t?), I want to encourage you to take a breath. Not just any breath, but a slow, intentional one that fills your lungs and grounds you in the moment. You deserve that moment of peace, that reminder that you are more than the sum of your responsibilities.

Taking that breath might not change your circumstances, but it can change how you face them. It can give you the strength to keep going, the clarity to make better decisions, and the grace to be kinder to yourself and others.

Next time you’re in the thick of it, just stop for a second and breathe. You deserve it. And in that breath, you might just find a little bit of the peace you’ve been searching for, the kind of peace that sustains us and helps us rise, no matter what comes our way.