A lot of what we do is in an effort to try to control our lives. We pick the perfect school, what we wear, how we act, the car we drive, the job we have, the place we live . . . all to build up the life we want. We snap and ‘gram the moments we want to share. It’s fun, really, to create the life we’ve dreamed of.
And then we lie in bed at night and wonder what in the world we’re doing with our lives.
We’re in an age where it’s easy to be connected with hundred of “friends” and feel unheard at the same time. We take in so much information but don’t take the time to think. We’re caught up in the everyday things instead of thinking long term.
And it all eats away at our peace.
I’ve been working on this for a while and can honestly say that it takes a lot to truly upset me now. I can rant about politics or contraception, but I don’t go to bed feeling sick to my stomach about the state of our world. There’s something deep down that takes a lot to shake. And it’s not because I posses heroic virtue (HA!). I think the deep sense of peace I have come to is because of:
- surrender
- detachment
When we surrender our perfect ideas, we let God make our lives the beautiful stories we’re made to be. Surrender comes when we give up control, when we admit that our plans aren’t always what’s best for us, when we pray for guidance instead of making a headstrong decision. Do that! Instead of claiming that you know best, create peace in your life by asking for God’s direction.
When we become detached from material things, it brings so much peace. I don’t own a whole lot of stuff (which will change when it comes time for an apartment of my own) and I like it that way. Well, except for books. Thaaat’s a different story. I try to remember that my things are mine to share with people who don’t have them. Now this is not easy. I am NOT a pro. But when I do choose to let go of how I want something, it brings a lot of peace. Try giving someone else the best muffin, letting someone change your plans for the evening to something they’d like to do, or giving away something you like.
Those are a couple practices that bring peace everyday. Other things that bring peace are:
- putting away social media
- spending time outdoors
- writing
- reading
- praying
- being creative (such as crafting)
- cooking
- cleaning
- listening to music
A wonderful book on the topic is Peace of Soul
Peace for me is about letting go. It’s taking a deep breath and recognizing that it’s okay if things don’t go according to plan. When they don’t, it’s often better than I would imagine. So give it a try, will you? Try along with me and let me know how it goes!
[Linking up with Britt Leigh to talk about what brings us peace as part of the Not Alone Series.]
And my last parting words:
“Listen, put it into your heart, my youngest and dearest son, that the thing that disturbs you, the thing that afflicts you, is nothing. Do not let your countenance, your heart be disturbed. Do not fear this sickness…nor anything that is sharp or hurtful. Am I not here, I, who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not the source of your joy? Are you not in the hollow of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Do you need anything more? Let nothing else worry you, disturb you.” – Our Lady of Guadalupe
To Life,
A Drop in the Ocean 
“We take in so much information but don’t take the time to think. We’re caught up in the everyday things instead of thinking long term.”
Are you in my head? I have been having those exact same thoughts for *months* now! I am definitely struggling to find a comfortable level of reading and learning (students and teachers don’t always have classrooms!) and to figure out what I’m working for in the long term. I’d forgotten about Dan Lord’s joy book. I will add that to my list.
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Thanks for stopping by, Lindsay. Definitely recommend Choosing Joy – a great read! And I am right with you. I love to read. I try to stay up to date on current events and continue learning things. But it’s just too much sometimes! Limiting my scrolling time on Facebook has helped, because that’s where a lot of non-important “news” comes from for me (ie. Buzzfeed). Making sure I have time everyday to pray and not be taking in information helps, buuut I’m not very good at it yet. A work in progress!
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