Peace of Mind-Noun
A mental state of calmness or tranquility, a freedom from worry and anxiety.
Happiness-Noun
A state of well-being and contentment : Joy
I combined these two topics because they are extremely similar if not the same. I interchange them often when I speak because typically when I reach a state of happiness, it’s because I have a peace of mind and vice versa; when I reach a state of peace of mind, it’s because I’m happy.
I’m not going to lie and say I’m in a state of happiness 24/7 because truly…I’m not. However, I can say that before I go to sleep, I do so with a peace of mind and I make sure of it every night. By the end of the night I accept my day for what it was. I remind myself that tomorrow brings a new day, with new opportunities to be great, with a new blank canvas waiting for me to write it’s story. I remind myself that any troubles I may have endured that day were only temporary and that pain and worries only roll over to the next day if I allow them too. I remind myself how great my God is and how I’m great because He made me in His image…and that alone brings me peace. Let’s get into it!
For those who follow my instagram, you’ve seen my post on happiness. For those who don’t, I briefly talked about how happiness *peace of mind too,* is not a destination, but rather a state of being. It’s not something you find, it’s something you become! Some will spend their whole life searching for it and end up disappointed because they have no idea what it looks like. When you’re trying to find happiness, what exactly are you looking for? There’s just so much wrong with the “quest” aspect to happiness that doesn’t sit right with me. Let me change my wording because I get what’s right and wrong is subjective. There is so much I don’t agree with when people say they’re looking for happiness or when they are on a mission to find a peace of mind. Why?
I feel like that implies that happiness and a peace of mind is a prize you find rather than a choice you allow. That’s what they both are…choices! There’s a quote I love by Dennis Brown:
“The only difference between a good day and a bad day is your attitude. The choice is always yours.”
The only thing standing in the way of happiness and your peace of mind is literally you and your outlook on life. I try *emphasis on try* to live by the 5 by 5 rule. If it’s not going to matter in 5 years, I don’t spend more than 5 minutes stressing on it. I also try to live in the present. Things that happened in the past need to stay there. We only have control over the present and the future. Yes, 5 minutes ago is still considered the past, because each passing second yields a new present…literally a present…each passing second is another breath and that alone is a gift worth being happy for. But I get it, I get it…it’s easier said than done right?
I don’t know why that’s hard for me to fathom…that it’s easier said than done being happy. I’m not saying to not act on any negative emotions. As I always say, our emotions are always valid. However, our emotions shouldn’t be so powerful to the point where happiness and a peace of mind seem like an unrealistic option. There is happiness in every situation but it has to be found within you to perceive it as such. Our perception is a reflection of our outlook. Our perception is influenced by our inner thoughts, dialogue, and feelings.
If you believe that the world is against you and that you have an unlucky or unhappy life that is all you’ll perceive the world to be! You’ll perceive everyone as an enemy, you’ll find the bad in every situation, your mind will go to work trying to justify your negative thoughts. We are the creators of our realities, our thoughts and choices create our perceptions. Therefore, there is internal work that needs to be done so we can shift our thoughts into a more positive direction, become happy too and experience that peace of mind!
What does that internal work look like? For starters, affirming yourself you deserve a peace of mind and letting go of any and all things that are preventing you from believing so. Partake in activities that bring you joy, surround yourself with people whose company brings you comfort, live in the present and let the past galavant on its own, and accept your reality for what it is, not what you want it to be! For some this internal work may only take a couple days and for others it may be a couple of years. Unlearning habits, negative ones at that, is almost like a full time job. It takes a level of training that requires you to let go the need to control your day. Instead of trying to control your day, work towards learning how to control your reactions to the unexpected things that happen throughout your day!
CHOOSE happiness everytime, you deserve it more than you know. Happiness is a lifestyle, indulge in it. Why? Because that’s #WhatChiSaid! See you next week! Don’t forget to subscribe below!
But wait there’s more…
Book recommendations:
- “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff and It’s All Small Stuff: Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things from Taking Over Your Life” by Richard Carlson
- “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale
*I know these are hard times and depression is real, anxiety is real! Being confined to our homes, it may be harder to have a positive outlook if you’re by yourself and live with depression or anxiety! I highly recommend reaching out to loved ones, seeking professional help if needed, and make sure you’re taking care of yourself! For anyone who needs it, the National Suicide Prevention hotline is 1-800-273-8255*
Remember
- These are just my thoughts and opinions!
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- Comments and/or feedback always welcomed!
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