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Have you ever considered the value of each breath you take? 

We did a story about Tony Pless in the Summer issue of The NEWTON Community Magazine. We have become friends. He’s not in good health, so I check in with him once or twice a week. A couple times within the last month, Tony has landed in the hospital. His lungs will fill up with fluid, to the point that he is essentially drowning. This has happened to him seven times. He has explained the fights he has had for one more breath of air. Tony is not scared of dying, but he told me, “I will fight for every breath until the end.” 

I take breathing and a long list of other blessings for granted each day. My heart keeps beating, the sun still rises and I currently have my health.

What are you drowning in? Your marriage? Raising kids? Finances? You name it, someone is drowning in it. How many times do we stop in the middle of the waters rising around us and show gratitude for the air we breathe? I get it. That doesn’t seem to be a solution. How are you going to get control of any situation by doing nothing but breathing? Therein lies the problem. There isn’t much in our control. Let’s be honest. It was the illusion of control that probably got us into whatever situation we find ourselves. 

When we pause to breath, sweet oxygen begins fueling our brains. We are no longer reacting to emotions, but instead, the rational thought centers of our brains take over. I believe this is when we hear The Spirit leading us. At this moment, we can surrender control to our Higher Power. We can be led according to His plan, not ours. This is the place of true freedom. Will you fight for every breath?

Have a great day today.
Scott Tredeau

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