7 Secrets of Peaceful Living and Progress
Opeyemi O. Sina-Olulana
Chartered Architect | Int'l Associate AIA | PMP? | PMI-ACP? | USGBC Faculty | LEED AP(BD+C)
Introduction:
How much are you willing to pay for peace? Why has it become so scarce in the lives of many people despite what the world would readily consider as achievements, measuring by popular standards ?
In this piece , a number of ways by which we can control the emotions that build up in and around our lives are highlighted for our reading:
1. Forgive:
Forgiveness is a powerful act of self-liberation. Clinging to resentment and anger only holds us back, impeding our progress and preventing us from finding genuine peace. Through forgiveness, we free ourselves from the weight of the past, paving the way for healing and personal growth.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean condoning or excusing the actions of others—it’s about letting go of the negative emotions that hold us captive.
It is a precious gift we bestow upon ourselves, enabling us to regain our strength and inner peace. Whether forgiving others or ourselves, this act is a powerful process that leads to enhanced harmony and personal growth in our lives.
Grudges are hurdles to progress, they are unnecessary weights.
Remember that many people have also forgiven you before, forgive others too.
2. Build Bridges:
Relationship with people who add value to you should not be assumed, it must be built and sustained .
One way to sustain this is by not focusing on our differences, but to seek common ground with others and approach interactions with an open heart and mind.
Building bridges requires humility, patience, and a willingness to listen and learn from others. It’s about recognizing the humanity in everyone and striving to cultivate connections that transcend barriers of race, religion, and culture.
Please note this : It is not the quantity of such relationships that matter but the quality, ensure that you are intentional about them, be loyal, be someone people can confide in, and earn trust.
3. Avoid Pressure:
Looking at the desperate competition in the world today, it’s easy to succumb to pressure . However, living under constant pressure is detrimental to our well-being and hinders our ability to make meaningful progress. Remember that you do not have anybody to impress except yourself.
Do not allow yourself to be made inconsequential or under-achieving, there is no competition, only ensure to take daily steps towards the actualisation of your goals.
To cultivate peace and progress in our lives, it’s essential to identify and manage sources of pressure. This may involve setting boundaries, saying no to excessive commitments, and prioritising self-care.
Remember: You do not need validation or endorsement from anyone , endorse yourself and keep moving.
4. Don't Take What Does Not Belong to You:
This is the fastest way to lose peace. Stealing steals your peace.
Integrity is the cornerstone of peaceful living and progress. It’s about aligning our actions with our values and respecting the rights and boundaries of others.
Taking what does not belong to us—whether it’s physical possessions, intellectual property, or credit for someone else’s work—erodes trust and undermines our integrity.
Instead, let's strive to act with honesty, integrity, and respect in all our dealings.
领英推荐
Be careful of freebies and exercise caution when something appears to come too cheaply.
Avoid complicated emotional triangles, avoid career manipulations, be honest with the numbers you flaunt to secure unmerited accolades, it will not last.
5. Say the Truth:
Honesty is a bedrock of authentic living and meaningful progress. People who tell lies are never at peace.
Do not build your life on falsehood , it is an eternal mortgage of peace.
Speaking the truth with courage and integrity, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable is the highway to lasting peace.
Speaking the truth requires self-awareness, admission of vulnerability, and a commitment to transparency. You are not perfect, no need trying to come across as so.
It’s about communicating openly and honestly with ourselves and others, fostering trust and connection in our relationships.
When you make promises keep them, when you give your word honour it, do not promise what you do not intend to fulfil.
6. Close Your Mouth:
Reduce your speech and you will increase your peace.
Do not be too eager to say something, keep shut when it's not important to talk. Many innocent people have found themselves in jail for careless talk.
Some have passed across irrevocable wrong impression based on comments made out of jokes or lack of attention. Always read the room , you can never be punished for words you did not utter.
Silence is a powerful tool for sustaining peace and clarity of mind. There is so much noise and distraction in the world now , finding moments of silence activates our inner wisdom and allows the best of us to emerge.
Execute your plans in silence, do not share premature announcements, close your mouth !
Closing your mouth doesn’t mean shutting out the world—it’s about creating space for reflection and making carefully weighed decisions.
7. Remain Humble:
No matter the record-breaking achievements , ensure to remain teachable and graceful.
Humility is the antidote to ego and arrogance, allowing us to approach life with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and grow.
Remaining humble doesn’t mean diminishing our worth or downplaying our accomplishments—It’s about acknowledging our limitations and imperfections, and embracing a mindset of continuous growth and improvement.
Arrogant people are usually resisted, and those who experience recurrent resistance cannot find true peace.
Conclusion:
Get ready for a journey into peace and success, emphasising forgiveness, bridge-building, boundary respect, and humility. Unlock the formula for personal growth and contentment, despite challenges. Embrace peace and progress, transform your life with balance, truth, and purpose, and start a fulfilling journey towards harmony.
Go ahead and enjoy life to the fullest. ??
Cheers ??