JUST BREATHE

Catching Your Breath: How Mastering Control Changed My Life

Sounds easy enough, right? Ah, but you'd be surprised.

I vividly remember my first few races—the heart-pounding excitement, the rush of speed, and how completely out of breath I was from start to finish. I quickly realized that if I wanted to get faster and win, I needed to master control—starting with my breath. If I couldn’t regulate something as basic as my breathing, how could I ever truly

control my car?

Fast forward ten years, and I’m never out of breath. In fact, I’m in better shape now than I’ve been in years. What began as a necessity to manage my start-line jitters evolved into a lifestyle shift. Along the way, I embraced practices like Yoga, Pilates, and, most importantly, the commitment to prioritize myself daily.

The Unexpected Gift of Yoga

Years ago, I suffered an injury that made running impossible. Around that time, my daughter invited me to a yoga class, and I jumped at the chance. What started as a simple way to stay active became one of the most transformative experiences of my life.

Yoga allowed me to tap into a deeper part of myself. Through controlled movements and breathing techniques, I learned how to steady my nerves and stay present. Over time, I noticed a shift—my body relaxed during races, and I stopped feeling exhausted by the end of the day.

Strength, Balance, and a Little Fear

Feeling empowered by my progress, I took on more challenges—Journalism and Podcasting. There were moments of hesitation, moments when fear crept in—but I did it anyway. And in doing so, I discovered another powerful truth about myself:

I can do anything I set my mind to.

Whether it’s controlling my breath, racing a car, or starting a completely new career after 50, the only real limits in life are the ones we place on ourselves. If we think we can’t, we won’t. But if we believe we can, then suddenly, the world opens up in ways

we never imagined.

So I challenge you—just imagine what you can do when you finally catch your breath. Maybe you’ll try something that takes your breath away.

Rooted in passion,

❤️ Fast Lane Jane