Eartha Kitt's wisdom was simple, yet profound.

She didn’t need many words to make a point. She would often say, “Don’t Panic. It doesn’t change a thing, and only makes it difficult to see the options that may be in front of you.”

Easier said than done, I know, but as a person who can be very anxious at times, wearing these words helps remind me to take a beat and breathe.

My mother taught me the importance of focusing on your breath, of course, very important for singing, but even more important for dealing with stressful moments in our lives.

Square breathing, a technique my mother used, and one I have passed along to my children, is a great tool.

Here’s how you do it: Start by breathing in through your nose to the count of 4; hold your breath for the count of 4; breathe out through your nose to the count of 4, and hold that out breath for the count of 4, before taking in a new breath and repeating the steps again. Focus on the breath and the count. Eyes open or closed, whichever is more comfortable.

I have found this exercise to be extremely helpful and calming, whether it’s done for 1 minute or 15. Give it a try. Teach it to your kids. It’s a wonderful way to prepare for sleep.

Take a beat. Take a breath. Don’t Panic. You got this!
 

From Eartha and Kitt, to you.

Remember. Treasure. Love.. Simply Eartha