Protect Your Peace
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The news is a constant stream of negativity detailing all that is bad in the world. It creates fear for your safety and security. Social media is filled with arguments and disagreements with people giving their opinion and if you disagree, they immediately are negative and condescending. You hear people argue down the street or you hear the gossip about a couple’s marriage. Everywhere you go, there seems to be chaos.
Where do you find peace? The world will not give you peace. You need to protect it for yourself. Turn off your TV for awhile and put down your phone. Disconnect from social media. Give yourself a mental rest. Play with your children or grandchildren. Take a walk with your dog. Listen to music and sing. Pray and worship where you find true peace.
Here are some ways to protect your peace. It is realizing not every disagreement or argument needs a response. Your voice will not be heard when someone is arguing loudly. All the person wants is to expound upon his/her view. So to protect your peace, do not engage on social media. Do not respond hoping the other person will understand your point of view in that heightened state of mind. Step away.
Not every insult needs your response either. Do not go down into the mud with the person. The insult or rude comment hurt you, but do not retaliate and be just like that person. You will say something you will regret or is not who you really are. Take a deep breath. Say a prayer in your head. Tell the person, “I’m sorry you feel that way.” Walk away. Protect your personal peace.
Not everyone deserves unlimited access to you and your emotions. Just because your phone rings or you receive a text, you do not need to respond immediately. To be respectful and polite, you may send a text – “I will talk with you later.” You do not need to answer everyone’s questions or share what is going on in your life. Protect your inner peace and your personal space and life.
Protect your peace from drama, negativity, and people who drain you emotionally. It is setting boundaries by defining what you will not tolerate or allow in your life. This involves setting priorities of where you spend your time and energy. You are the only one who makes yourself a priority. Make peace a priority. Your peace begins when you let go of negative relationships, environments, and arguments that you will never win or be heard.
Begin to understand your limits, what triggers your emotions, fears, and anxieties. Awareness of what drains the life and the joy out of your soul is a major step in protecting your inner peace. When you are peaceful and content, you enjoy life and yourself and genuinely care for others. It is creating calming routines, nurturing healthy relationships, and listening to your own needs. You give yourself permission to rest physically and mentally from the noise and chaos and also declutter your mind and physical space.
You may not be able to change the circumstances around you, but you need not let your circumstances control or steal your inner peace. Find things to bring calmness to your soul. Focus on the good. Peace is an inner contentment even in the midst of the chaos. It is centering yourself on what is and who is most important.
Elaine J. Sturtz
Living In The Different
