Peace

The warm sun, golden hues, soft sky, and the faint sound of the wind tickling the wheat.

Peaceful.

The dictionary defines peace as a state of tranquillity or quiet, freedom from disquieting thoughts or emotions, and harmony in personal relations.

It’s relatively easy to achieve peace by scheduling time to sit, be still, and relax. It’s the latter part of the definition, “…disquieting thoughts, or emotions, [or being at] harmony in personal relations” that seems to be more difficult at times.

Peace is a principle that when given conscious effort can become a normal part of our lives as we deal with matters both large and small.

How do we deal with such matters? The answer to that question can largely determine whether or not we experience peace.

Yesterday was filled with small matters that I thought affected my ability to be happy (and at peace). But in actuality I had the choice. And I chose to feel burdened and conflicted – leaving matters unresolved, giving way to “disquieting thoughts and emotions.” I ended the day feeling discouraged & disappointed.

But it didn’t have to end this way.

My mom always taught us, “You can’t control life’s circumstances but you CAN determine your attitude towards them.” Yes, guilty as charged… I used to say, “But MOM! She MADE me do it!” or “This MAKES me so mad, sad, frustrated, lonely blah blah blah.”

It’s a choice. And what we choose in these very moments can determine whether we feel at peace.

The small moments are relatively easy to control – choose to love, accept, and take accountability. Most failed battles could’ve been won through humility and both are left at peace.

But it’s often the larger ones such as pain, suffering, terminal illness, loss of loved ones, divorce, and other such matters that tug at personal peace the hardest.

It’s at these times that I think it’s crucial to look at what’s good in our life & all that we’ve been given.

I love this quote by Joseph B. Wirthlin, “We can approach every day, every task, and every challenge with assurance and confidence in the outcome. We have freedom of thought and action, freedom to be happy.”

It’s a matter of using that freedom to choose peace amidst the storm.

I’m grateful that today provides a new challenge to consciously choose to be at peace, a quiet kind of joy.
 

• Credits:
• White Denim – Hudson
• Blouse – F21
• Gold Chains – honestly don’t remember
• Gold Hoops – Aldo Accessories
• Ring – F21
• Polish – Orly Luxe
• Lipgloss – LORAC Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss
• Hair – MK knot bun with braided strands
• Photography – c/o Brandy Cardarelli Photography