Welcome to the 1st Monday of 2025! I’m back from my break and ready to hit the ground running. It’s been a wonderful couple of weeks celebrating and enjoying some downtime. I’d like to say I am ready to get back into the routine of my normal life but that wouldn’t be quite true. I wish the holiday season wasn’t over. One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is sleeping!
Last year I declared that I’d be protecting my peace in 2024. I’d say I did a pretty good job! While I am not necessarily one to set resolutions or have a word of the year, I like to be intentional with my life. At all times. However, there is something about January 1 that seems to be a good way to keep track of new habits, thoughts, and patterns. As I open my new planner I write myself notes so I can be reminded of those good intentions and changes I’d like to make – how about you? Do you do that too?
Peace in 2025
In 2025 I am further refining how I’ll protect my peace. 2024 gave me lots of opportunities to exercise my ability to say ‘no’ – and I did! I stepped down from serving on a committee that really didn’t serve me and felt like a commitment I dreaded. Dread and peace do not go hand in hand. That’s just one of the ways I protected my peace.
Another way? I didn’t respond in situations where in the past I could have defended myself. It was so much nicer to walk away, leave things be, stay silent, etc. I’m not saying I will never speak up – if you know me in real life you know that I have no trouble speaking up. But knowing when to speak and when to stay silent is essential to peace.
I’ve learned that no matter how hard I try, there will be some people I cannot be around. That may sound harsh. Well, it is. However, I bet you know what it’s like to be around someone who sucks the joy out of every encounter. After spending time together, I’m unable to sleep well, get certain thoughts out of my mind, etc. After multiple occasions in 2024, I would end up receiving a text the next day with a passive aggressive apology. These apologies could have sparked more controversy but I refused. My default response was usually a one liner. I refused to bite. I felt more peaceful. I will not make the same mistakes this year, I will make other plans, I will not be attacked. No matter what, there is always a choice.
Choosing not to engage is another essential step to leading a peaceful life. Especially in an election year! Goodness, Facebook became even more toxic than usual during late summer and fall. Seeing people argue in the comments section of their friends posts made me sick to my stomach. It also struck me that same people who ‘wanted acceptance and love’ seemed to have the most inflammatory posts. It isn’t really necessary to tell everyone you are going through your friends list and deleting those who don’t share your political opinions, is it?
What I have learned, time and time again, is that if you really want a more peaceful life than you yourself need to practice peace. That means avoiding drama, gossip, rumors, and choosing peace over aggravation.
I have learned that I am okay with not being liked by everyone. Frankly, if they don’t like me it’s most likely because they don’t really know me. Because I am likeable! But it’s not my business who likes me and who doesn’t. It’s okay either way and I am not going to spend my time trying to convince someone otherwise. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I accept it.
While I certainly don’t have all the answers and my life is most definitely not perfect, I aspire for more. I want to find the good in every day even if they can’t all be good days. I accept personal responsibility for my happiness and I’m no victim. If it is to be it’s up to me!
I sure hope some of this resonates with you and if not, I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into the personal work I’m continuing. Most of all, I wish for you a life of love, joy, and peace!
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