October 10 was World Mental Health Day, and as much as I appreciated the global recognition of ending the stigma of mental health issues, mental health is something that needs attention 24/7 and 365 days a year.
As a family therapist, one of the many reoccurring issues I see is the lack of peace on a personal level. We can talk peace all we want, but if a person is all torn up inside and functioning on a continuous level of turmoil, it is virtually impossible to achieve peace on the outside.
With that in mind, I want you to think about your own peace of mind. How can you personally can feel more at peace?
A lot of us attempt to achieve peace by doing external things- which are all important too. This can include volunteering to work in the kitchen of a shelter, holding babies at an orphanage, or even marching at a social justice rally. These are all great, but how often do we think about our own internal peace? To be a peace agent, we need to find peace on a personal level first.
Finding Peace on a Personal Level
Truth be told, the vast majority of us are not at peace. We are not at rest and our souls are stirred much of the time. There is just too much going on right now. So, today, I want you to focus on yourself. Focus on internal peace. Make a list of all the things you can do that will help bring you internal peace. Here are some of mine:
- Walk alone for at least ten minutes a day.
- Take at least one hot bath a week with a warning to all in the house to leave you alone.
- Read something inspiring.
- Write something inspiring.
- Work on forgiving your mistakes. We all make them.
- If you can’t do this alone find a good therapist to talk to.
- Repair a relationship that is broken. Just say I am sorry and start over.
- Recognize that every comment, sentence, and/ or challenge that enters your life does not require a response. Let it go.
- Write down ten doable goals and complete one of them this week.
- Breathe. Focus on your breathing. Loosen your body. Unclench your fists. Practice this every day. Takes mere minutes.
- And laugh. Call a friend or a relative who always makes you feel good. Tell them you only have a few minutes to talk if you are that busy. Tell them you are calling because they were on your mind and you need a laugh today.
This is just a start- but you gotta write it down or you will forget to do this. Just like we forget to call our friends or send that birthday card. We mean well, but before we know it, days have turned into weeks…and then into months. Write.It.Down.
And then act on it.
Creating a daily practice that honors a need for inner peace will leave those who work on this new habit feeling more rested, more centered, and just better.
To be a peace agent, we need to find Peace on a Personal Level first. Peace from within is one of the greatest gifts we can bring to the world. People will see love and light through you which will impact everyone around you. I would love to hear all about what you do for yourself.
Final Note:
The relapse and overdose rate has increased by 30% since March 2020. Mental health issues related to our lockdown and the pandemic are especially hard for people with depression. NAMI, The National Alliance on Mental Health has a 24-hour helpline: 800-950-6264.
In honor of National Book Month in October This is the Earth along with any book in the Make A Way Media catalog, will enjoy a special discount AND free shipping by using SAVE25 at checkout!
