Here’s this week’s installment of Five Minute Friday. You might remember the task is to write for five minutes on a specific prompt word.

There are a couple hundred bloggers who pause to post on the prompt word of the week. It’s fun getting the prompt, thinking about it for a couple of minutes and getting to work producing something readable (you hope) in just five minutes. You should link over to  http://fiveminutefriday.com/ and read some of the posts. They don’t disappoint.

As an example, I have been sharing testimonials about the group from our writing corp. They are taken from Five Minute Friday: A Collection of Stories Written in Five Minutes Flat. This week, don’t listen to me, listen to Cathy.

“When I began blogging about eight months ago I had no idea it would bring me into contact with such a wonderful ,encouraging group of people. I have been surprised to form such deep connections, and even friendships, with people I have never met in person and I have been blessed a lot by being part of this community.

“FMF has also provided great motivation to write. There are weeks when I saw the prompt and feel I have nothing to say but it is amazing what comes out once I start and those week have produced some of my favourite posts in the end.”

The prompt this week is RELEASE. Here goes. The timer is set for five minutes {clock starts now}

Take a deep, deep breath. Hold it. Hold it. Now exhale … release that pent up air.

Do that a couple of times when you’re feeling depressed, overwhelmed, stressed … okay, whenever.

The process of deep inhaling/exhaling cleanses your body and soul. You change the focus. You push out the anxiety. And don’t be afraid to do it as often as you like lor need.

Release is such a powerful word. It’s liberating. It puts you back in control. And it re-focuses your mind.

It’s always helpful to clear your soul periodically. It, too, can become bogged down in the “do’s” and don’ts”, in the rush to complete one more thing, trapped in earthly problems.

It’s liberating to … STOP

… just stop for a second or two, or a minute or two, or an hour or two knowing you’ll get back on an even plane. I feel that’s because God joins us in the exhaling. He releases us from the bondage of the moment … just as He did yesterday and just as He will do tomorrow.

So, take a deep breath. Hold it. Hold it. Exhale and feel the presence of God.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: If life quits on you, don’t you quit on life.