Here is the Friday Five prompt from over at Revgals.

“It’s the week before Holy Week. Even if you are the non-preaching type, there’s plenty going on in most of our homes religious. I think we all need a collective deep breath. 🙂

This week’s Friday Five is simply a moment to BREATHE. Stop and tell us five ways that you “catch your breath” and then move on in the work God calls you to do.

Are these five things people? places? music? hobbies? chocolate? Or perhaps a memory?

Share with photos or comments. Keep it as short as you need – after all, there’s a whole lot left to do, and Sunday’s comin’!!”

1. Writing

This may seem odd, but sometimes before I have a “must get done” writing assignment, like a sermon or an article for a journal, it helps me to write something that is not deadline driven. It clears things out and lets me focus for the actual assignment.

2. Running

I list this one somewhat wistfully at the moment, because my knee is not cooperating right now, but when I go running, it also clears my mind and settles my body. Have an appointment with a doc in a few weeks, but until then, I am hobbling along as best I can.

3. the lake

I don’t get up there nearly as much as I wish I did, but my family has had a lake cabin north of Spokane since long before I was born. I think my dad was little when they bought it. Anyhow, it is a place I love to be. Whether I’m lying on a chaise lounge on the beach, or sitting on the porch swing, talking to whoever is around, I love being at the lake.

4. cello

Sometimes practicing my cello feels like one of the things I have to get done. But when I am actually playing my cello, it ends up helping me focus. I try to do a million things at a time. You can’t do that and play the cello. I have to set other things aside and just do it. Good reminder that doing a million things at a time is rarely a good plan.

5. Friends

Don’t get to do this as often as I like, but love sitting in a room full of friends, possibly enjoying adult beverages, and talking and laughing. Often, this happens on continuing ed, or at reunions from high school or college. I need to fit it in to my regular life more than I have in the past. More parties at my house!