Peace

Happy Saturday, I hope your week was great. Do you agree with my saying, "Peace is priceless?" Stop and think about the last time you were at peace. If you cannot think of a time or if it was too long to remember, what is stopping you from ensuring that you at least have moments or days of planned peace? It is disheartening even to think that nowadays, we must "plan peace" or moments of escape from the chaos. Unfortunately, the world is full of things and people that ignite stressors and anxiety, from workplace bullies, horrible customer service, unruly kids, and miserable humans to financial concerns. Guess what? The only thing and person you can control is YOU.

Let's be honest; it's hard enough to change yourself. Why do we even allow outside influences to affect us so much? Maybe we think it is a form of showing we care. I believe in self-preservation; I have learned over the past year, especially to take the "personal" out of situations. It takes PRACTICE not to internalize experiences, retractions, and interactions with people and situations. One thing that I know is true is that hurt people hurt people.

“Misery loves company, but company does not reciprocate.” - Addison Mizner

If you are currently internalizing all your negative experiences, please STOP. The load is too heavy to carry. I am naturally empathetic; I care about people, regardless of class, gender, race, or religion. I FEEL people, I listen, I try to pour into others, I LOVE to see others WIN, but some people only care about their selves. So, use your discernment to pick up on negative vibes and run. If you must deal with unhappy people, be patient but do not be tolerant.

My wonderful mother taught me that "you train people how to treat you." What you allow will persist. You should always nip nonsense in the bud and communicate what you will and will not tolerate. I am not an expert; believe me, I have tolerated bullies, racism, and more. Why? Glad you asked; I wanted to protect my peace. But there is a delicate balance between protecting your peace to being abused. I am known for "smiling" through ignorance and bullies, but I no longer allow anyone to mistreat me as I have gotten older and more equipped with the knowledge. At work, in public, or wherever. You do not have to change your disposition but you must respect yourself so others will. Always keep in mind, that people will treat you how you allow them to.

“Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times, shame on both of us.” - Stephen King

The truth is standing up to bullies is hard. Matching anger with love is hard. Going high when others go low is extremely hard. If you level set, it is less likely that you will blow your top. Practice breathing, write down your grievances, communicate clearly and find things that bring you peace. It could be writing, reading, exercising, cooking, traveling, painting, or whatever. If you do not have peace, work towards it starting TODAY. Peace is something you find within; no one can give it to you. People can enjoy peace or peaceful moments with you, but it is self-curated and self-maintained.

So, what is the call to action; If you are miserable in any area of your life, work to change those areas one by one. There are a plethora of resources and tools out there that can aid you in one form or another. If it is broken relationships, communicate and work towards a resolution. If you hate your job, work on your resume and networking. Change begins and ends with you. If you want peace, it takes work. Someone in peace is not absent of obstacles and chaos; they just know the value of happiness and limited stressors.

My challenge to you is to evaluate the things and the people who bring you peace. Then, lean into those things and people. The people or things that flair up anger or stress, reduce or eliminate them from your life. You are the boss in your life story. Do not just exist; live and thrive. If anything or anyone costs you your peace, it costs too much.

KNOW YOUR WORTH. THEN ADD TAX AND A SERVICE CHARGE. -?Sinéad Kennedy.

Write down three things that bring you peace, and over the next week, ensure you do those things. Time is a measurement; make time for yourself while you still have it. Be boundless and infinite sometimes and live in that moment. You will feel and see the difference. You should always have peace in two places, at home, and in the grave. Never permit others to disturb your peace. Learn to feel peace, think peace, make peace, live peace, and BE PEACE!

Life is too short to carry burdens, disappointments, or misery. Let it all go, have faith, and walk in peace. Peace is priceless and is the foundation for happiness. I hope you have a weekend full of love, peace, and transformation. Cheers to new beginnings and growth. By all means, protect your peace.

"Growth is optional; change is inevitable." - John C. Maxwell

#peace #self-preservation #love #notolerance #happiness