The Missing Peace
It’s no secret that I haven’t been firing at the highest level the past couple years or so. I haven’t even come close to consistently being the fun-loving, easy-going dude that I love to be. But I’ve found the missing peace.
A couple weeks ago, my nutritional friend Kelli wrote me a beautiful e-mail. In that message she wished me “Peace more than Fleeting Happiness”……and in that moment I knew exactly what was missing.
In the process of settling my family into a new country, starting up a business, and dealing with a million and one other things…..I’ve left no room for peace. Sure, I’ve had thousands of moments with fleeting happiness but I’ve been living without peace.
Now What? How Do I Keep Peace Within?
Yeah, so that’s what I’ve been thinking since that e-mail. How do I bring it in, and make it stay? Well, I’m no expert and certainly haven’t perfected this yet….but here’s what I’m doing:
Surrounded by Peace – I know what things in my life bring me the most peace, so I make sure I’m around those things as often as possible. Even when I feel I “should” be doing something else, I make the decision to surround myself with peace.
Peace Mantra – Even just saying the word, makes me feel more relaxed. So I’m making the word, Peace, my internal soundtrack. Repeating the word as often as I can think about it.
Situational Meltdown – It doesn’t take much to set me off, and this past week I’ve definitely veered in the total opposite direction of peace a few times. But I’ve taken a close look at these meltdowns and vowed to not let it happen again.
Breath – Again, it’s not yet perfected….but when I’m caught up in the middle of a stressful or frustrating experience, I want to close my eyes for a second and just breath. A simple action that is ultimately powerful.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff – This is a tough one for me, as in the moment it always seems like it’s the worst possible thing in the world. Later on, I realize how infinitely small it really was. It’s all small stuff, right?
If you’re like me, and need more inner peace…..join in and #MakeitHappen.
The “small stuff” one is really, really hard for me, too. I try to let some stuff go. I try to remember that, in the morning, it is a new day and we can start over. I also try to think “What Would Steve Irwin Do” – one of my personal heroes and a guy who really lived life. Sometimes one of those works; sometimes not so much. You just gotta keep plugging along.
BTW – bought a new mountain bike on Sunday and am itching to go try it out at Walnut Creek soon. Nothing like a new bike to make you want to go ride more than ever.
Keep working at the small stuff, and I will as well. I like how you ask yourself that question as it’s a great way to make a positive decision on what to do or how to react.
Awesome, let me know how the new bike is working for you.
I really like these words from Jesus: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Good words, Collin. Anything that helps bring in more peace, is Awesome. Thanks for your comment.
Good topic, I’m nearly always stressed out due to work and home issues. I find myself even trying to find time to ride my bike. Getting stuck in a rut of work and home issues and not stopping to find time to “Smell the Roses”, so to speak.
Life is short and getting shorter for me, due to my age.
Funny, you’re the one always telling me to slow down and take time to relax and here you are not doing it yourself. However, I do understand your situation with moving and the business.
Keep your Head Up, Because “That’s Where It All Is”.
Always “Loving The Bike”
Bethel Strong
Yeah, Bethel I’m very good at saying what to do…more so than actually following my own advice. Thanks or your input on this one. Looks like we both need a good reminder to make room for more peace.