I read recently, “there is no better pillow than peace of mind.”  For many, it seems that peace and simplicity go hand in hand.  At times, our lives become complicated, too busy, with many things seemingly out of our control.  We are often going in overdrive as a parent, partner, son/ daughter, sibling, coach … the one thing that gets put on hold is “self”.  I and Me stop getting the attention and care so desperately needed “from ourselves”.    

Being true to yourself can be difficult.  We live in an age where there is an excess amount of useless information: gossip under the guise of social media. Yet, we fall down the rabbit hole of not celebrating the successes of others, pushing ourselves to want more “stuff”.  But where, in all of that, does peace and simplicity lie?  In money?  In one more car?  Whenever we are faced with difficulties, troubling events, or trauma, the things that bring the peace we ultimately crave seem to be revealed more easily.  Inevitably, it is the little things, simple things that resonate with us, touching us in a way that is unique to each person.  Things that I may find relaxing and bring peace may not even register with someone else.  That is the beauty of knowing yourself, in being “the subject of your own life” after being the giver for longer than you can recall.  In reclaiming your peace, putting yourself first is not selfish, it is essential.

If we want a life that is filled with peace and simplicity, void of drama, we may each have different ideas how to attain that.  Our peace is fluid; it changes and shifts.  It is different for everyone.  For some it may be opening your world up to people, while it may also require removing people from your life.  No one else can decide what brings you joy and peace. 

I do not offer a “guide to living peacefully”; that would be foolish of me.  However, never underestimate the impact that little gestures we make can mean to others.  Imagine a family loses a loved one, and it happens you were linked to that loss through your work.  As the family grieves, you drop some food for them, and things you think they may need, along with a little note.  Over time, you do not think of it again… until a member of that family brings it up and says, “we still have your note on our refrigerator”.  It’s the little things. Kindness always has a place.  Filling our time with things that touch us, help us feel grounded, can include running and hearing little creatures scurrying in the woods, spending time in nature, in the wilderness, appreciating the sounds and smells,  listening to different versions of an event in a nonjudgmental way, not participating in gossip and overly dramatic conversations;  just “let them” say what they want as you have a life to live on your terms.

Enjoying nature in all forms, the splendor of sunrises and sunsets,  a  campfire,  the sounds of skates on ice,  singing out loud on a solo drive (doesn’t matter if you can sing), watching someone you care for sleep, watching snow fall from the night sky with not a sound or breeze, sitting on a beach as gentle waves roll and you skip rocks, a stroll that has all the ingredients for perfection, for peace.  These are all simple things, and they are perfect … to me.  Inevitably, simple things, the little things, become big things to a life of peace and simplicity.   In being the subject of your own life, it is your peace of mind that will lead to easier days, fulfilling nights, and become a pillow upon which to rest and relax.  You deserve it.