Life is made up of seasons, vibrant, painful, joyous, and dry. Like an abundant harvest after the rain, each offers a unique lesson that can lead to peace. Whatever your current circumstances are, good or bad, they will come to an end. Peace, however, is something you can keep.
It might be your season to work, to pay off debt, to let go of a bad relationship, to finish college, to use your voice, to love, to be, to strive, to coast, to laugh, to cry, to mourn, or to celebrate. Whatever season you are in, you can live peacefully. Here’s how:
- Accept what is. When you are experiencing an especially difficult season, think back to the times that were hard in your life before and note how you got through them. Remembering that you can live through pain, uncertainty, and doubt will help you get to the other side of your current situation.
- Share your burdens. Talking to others about what you are going through helps to lighten the load.
- Take your life one day at a time. When you future trip, you borrow burdens that may never happen.
- Choose to let go of negative thinking. When you start to ruminate on how bad things are or how painful they have become, acknowledge the feeling and then take an action to move forward. It might not change the circumstances, some things take time to get through, but it can help to shift your thinking.
- Flex your faith muscle. If you believe in a presence greater than yourself, lean into it. Turn to your spiritual or religious practice for comfort.
- Go where the love is. When you are feeling beat up, it is important to link arms with people who can support you.
- Choose happiness. Abraham Lincoln said, “I have noticed that most people in this world are about as happy as they have made their minds up to be.” Even in terrible circumstances, there is something that can bring you joy. Don’t ignore it.
- Seek to love, not to control.
- You are responsible for your feelings and actions. Make sure that what you do reflects the ripple effect you want to create.
- Remember, no matter what season you’re in, you will be okay. Even if you don’t believe it, you will. Write that down. Repeat it to yourself.
Being at peace, whatever your circumstances, is possible. I encourage you to adopt new practices that will help you have a more peaceful mindset. If you would like to discuss peaceful living, please schedule a complimentary 30-minute mindfulness session.
May peace be with you.
