Life is hard sometimes. There are bills to settle, jobs to complete, people to look after, and private problems which nobody knows. Some days feel like they will never end. However, in between the stress I've learned that one can attain inner peace. It is not always easy, but it is something I try to find every day.
One thing that helps me is waking up early before the world gets too noisy. In those quiet moments, I sit alone and breathe. I never feel any urge to look at my phone or to worry about problems. I just sit still and enjoy the silence. This brief time in the morning is useful for me to clear my mind, than to jump into chaotic stress.
Another thing that gives me peace is gratitude. In the past, I devoted myself to every problem in my life what I lacked, the hardship I was experiencing, or everything that wished to be different. But I realized that even on bad days, there is always something to be grateful for. It might be the sound of rain, a comforting meal, the sound of my children laughing or simply getting through another day. Every time I concentrate on these little marvels, my heart feels relief.
I also find peace by learning to say no. But I used to say yes to anybody just in case I failed to disappoint somebody. Maybe I would be tired, but I would always try to help, to give, to be there for others. However, I realized that only by taking care of myself, I will have something left to give. Now, I say no when I need rest. I say no when something is too much for me. And I do not feel guilty about it anymore.
Nature is another thing that helps me. When life gets overwhelming, I take a walk. It doesn't have to be exotic just steps outside to get a taste of the crisp air on my face, the chirping of birds, or the stretching and shaking of trees during the breeze. There is something healing about nature. It makes me realise that life goes on, whatever I'm feeling.
Talking to my husband also brings me peace. There are days when I feel like everything is too much, and I just want to cry. I just tell him what's on my mind when it comes to it and not hold it in. On the occasion, he does not have a solution, but, just, admitting to someone that he understands my state, lightens my heart.
The biggest lesson I learned is that not all things merit my tools and energy. Some people will misunderstand me. Some problems will not be solved today. Some things are out of my control. I tell myself I do not have to fight every war. I concentrate on what I do have control of, and release what I have no control of.
Finding inner peace does not mean life is perfect. That is, it means having the ability to choose to remain composed even when the world is not. That is, it is about safeguarding my mind, my heart, and my pleasure. Every day I make the effort to follow this to the best of my ability.
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