Breath is the one thing we all have access to—and yet, it’s the first thing we forget when life gets loud. But here’s the truth: your breath is more powerful than your panic. More steady than your stress. More faithful than your fear.

It was yoga that first taught me to really breathe. To use my inhale as an anchor and my exhale as a release. Over time, I realized something deeper: the sound of my breath could drown out the noise in my head.

Silence Isn’t Empty—It’s Full of Truth

I used to run from silence. I filled every quiet space with background noise—TV, music, podcasts—because when things got quiet, my thoughts got louder. And let me tell you, those thoughts weren’t kind.

But here’s what I didn’t know back then: avoiding the silence meant avoiding myself. I couldn’t hear my needs, my pain, or my intuition because I was drowning them out. It took time, intention, and practice to sit in silence and just breathe.

Now? Silence is my sanctuary. It reminds me I’m here. I’m alive. I’m present. My breath is the proof.

Shallow Breath, Shaky Ground

When I’m stressed, scared, or angry, I don’t always notice my breath at first. But then the chaos comes rushing in—racing thoughts, old triggers, worst-case scenarios. Shallow breathing invites old versions of me back in: the reactive one, the revengeful one, the version I’ve worked hard to outgrow.

That woman lives in my short breath. So I take a deep inhale and send her packing. I breathe in the present. I exhale the past. Because the woman I am today lives in my deep breath.

Let Breath Lead the Way

When things feel hard, when fear gets loud, when you’re tempted to run or lash out—pause. Breathe.

Your thoughts may scream. Your fears may shout. But your breath? Your breath will always whisper, “You’re safe. You’re here. You’ve got this.”

As SLAYERS, we don’t run. We breathe. We root down. We move forward with intention. Even when we’re scared. Especially when we’re scared.

Breath Is Power. Use It.

Next time you find yourself spiraling, check in with your breath. Are you breathing shallow and fast? If so, pause. Place your hand on your belly. Breathe in for four counts. Hold for two. Breathe out for four.

Do it again.

And again.

Let your breath get louder than your thoughts. Let it lead you back to the truth. You are not your fear. You are not your panic. You are not your past.

You are here. You are present. And you are powerful.

So breathe in, power up, and SLAY on.

SLAY Reflection

1. Do you notice your breath change when you’re stressed or overwhelmed?
2. What happens to your thoughts when you take deep, intentional breaths?
3. How do you typically react when fear gets loud?
4. What calming practices help bring you back to yourself?
5. What would it look like to let your breath guide your next step?

S-L-A-Y:

• Stop and notice your breath.
• Listen to what it’s telling you.
• Act with intention from a grounded place.
• You hold the power to shift your state with a single inhale.

Call to Action: Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear from you.
What helps you breathe through the noise when life gets loud?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who’s been feeling overwhelmed lately, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a breath—and a reminder.