Achieving Peace In Your Life: Even When Life Sucks

You know how children get asked from a very young age, ” What do you want to be when you grow up?” For some odd reason, we expect these little, adorable people to have their lives planned out by age 7. Kids put up with adults and come up with a profession that they think sounds fun or cute, probably so that we can leave them alone lol. Seriously though…who came up with this question for kids??? 🤔

Well, I don’t know about you but my ultimate dream has always been to achieve “peace.” I wasn’t always sure of what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I knew what I wanted to feel when I grew up.

As a child, I didn’t really know what peace was but I somehow knew that it would bring happiness to my life. I thought feeling peaceful would come as I grew older without too much effort from on part. I just wanted to feel good about myself and my life.

Over time, I learned that the road to “peace” is not easy. Life can be incredibly hard and at times, discouraging, but it WILL be worth it. I also, learned what Peace truly means. I used to think that peace meant attaining everlasting happiness. I thought that once I achieved peace then all my problems would forever disappear. I’m embarrassed to say that I continued to have this naïve view of life up into my 20s. Now when you hear the word “peace” you may get an image in your mind of someone meditating on a beach, smiling and living carefree indefinitely.

Well… unfortunately that is not what I mean. Oh, but I wish that was the case!

For me, Peace is accepting that LIFE is a rollercoaster, because how boring would LIFE be if it wasn’t? Peace is accepting that through all of the ups and downs, the peaks and the valleys, I can keep my unyielding FAITH that God WILL take care of me, AND I will continue to move forward. Peace is naturally feeling inclined to be kind and to show GRACE to others, even when I feel CRAPPY.

Yes, even then!

I have been through A LOT. From trauma, loss, pain, and feeling completely defeated- I’ve been through it. Something happened to me though when I FULLY immersed myself in God’s LOVE. Something transformed in me, when I released my anger, pain, and resentment to Him. I started to incorporate RADICAL acceptance of myself, my past, and my failure. I had to accept that through God’s Grace, I have the power to live a PEACEFUL Life.

My attitude and how I treat others need to be intentional. I need to intentionally talk about my BLESSINGS. For example, sometimes my kids make me want to pull my hair out (can anyone relate?), but I am blessed to have these little humans who LOVE me so much that it still shocks me. I try to humble myself by calling myself out on my sense of entitlement.  I mean think about it: how many of our material items do we really need? Or how many times do we complain (myself included!) about not having enough “free” time while millions of people throughout the world use their “free” time trying to stay alive by searching for food or shelter. This is the reality of LIFE.

I have a Bible verse displayed in my bathroom that reminds me to constantly express gratitude. The verse is from 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV:

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus

I read this verse everyday to remind myself to express appreciation to God, and for my blessings, in ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. This daily action has been the foundation to how I maintain a sense of peace in my life ❤

Oh and last but not least- I try to smile , or even laugh at myself sometimes just to RELAX a little 😊

Take care!

~Val