What a time to be alive? The world is caught in a Global pandemic, a series of lockdowns, multiple vaccine rollouts, protests over Black lives or the scant regard for Black lives – what a time to be alive! Every where you turn there seems to be something that threatens your peace if you let it. The news, your conversations, the content you consume can really be disturbing if you are not careful. Your peace is the internal calm; the mental, emotional and spiritual balance within you. It is a delicate balance that requires resolve and it must be guarded fiercely. I am going to share with you three ways you can protect your peace. In my podcast – The Perspective Matters – I share five ways. I invite you to take a listen to learn about the other two.
Take care of yourself
Make your wellbeing a priority; your physical, mental, and emotional health should take precedence above all else. That means feeding your body the right foods that offer great nutritional value. Of course you may want to have a cheat day and treat yourself. The key is not to deprive yourself but to ensure that you are giving your body the best food you can. Get ample rest; sleep is the body’s time to heal and repair itself. The experts insist you need 8 or 9 hours of sleep. You should be the expert of your body and know how many hours of sleep you need to function! The saying “if you don’t use it you will lose it” can be applied to the body. Commit to moving your body at least three times weekly. Music is the only thing that when it hits you; you will feel no pain. So put some music on and shake what your mama gave you! Have an outlet and healthy ways to manage stress. See a therapist or counsellor if you have things you need help working through and you desire a safe space and judgement free zone. Learn to say no and recognize that no is a full sentence.
BE GRATEFUL
Giving thanks for your blessings and all that is good about your life is a sure way to shift your perspective and focus. The distractions of the world are designed to monopolize your attention. Your attention is the currency of this era and if you are not careful; you will trade it in for inconsequential highlights that leave you feeling unworthy. There will be times when feeling gratitude is the last thing on earth you will want to feel. That is time to be introspective. I urge you spend the time in quiet reflection and call to mind all that you are and have. Think about all the things you have; who you are; remember the time you prayed to have these things and be this person. Know that there is someone in this world who would be willing to trade places with you. So before you think to complain; I urge you to rethink. Gratitude is the key to unlocking all the magic in this world. A sincere and grateful heart can open you up to an abundance of opportunities.
BE INTENTIONAL
Your thoughts, words and actions should demonstrate your willingness to live a mindful existence. Your thoughts – conscious and subconscious influence how you show up in the world. What do you feed your mind? Do you feed it with positive affirmations, enriching and empowering content. Do you cultivate an unwavering self belief? Or do you feed on negativity; do you engage in negative self talk? Your thoughts have a direct impact on your speech and as such you should really exercise care whenever you speak. Don Miguel Ruiz in “The Four Agreements” outlines in his book this very idea about speech. His first agreement – Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
If you want to protect your peace; then you can’t speak against it. Instead affirm what you want and who you want to be. Also recognize that words need to be supported by inspired action. Your actions need to be aligned with your thoughts and words; that is how you maintain your integrity and protect your peace. If you engage in activities that are contrary to that; you will find yourself in uncomfortable situations that threaten your peace. It will require effort and discipline so if you value your peace then you will expend that effort and exercise that discipline.
Peace looks different for everyone. Guarding it is not an act of selfishness but an act of self love. It’s ok to say no, it’s ok to change your mind; it’s ok to take a day off; it’s ok to not take that call; it’s ok to do nothing; it’s ok to speak up; it’s ok let go! Do what you must to protect your peace. If you don’t protect your peace; who will?
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The Perspective Matters 