Moms in the County: Peace

What defines peace in our lives? 

It has taken me quite some time to figure this out -- to find the true meaning of my peace.  Initially, at a younger age, peace was defined as finding that someone that made me complete.  A man that made me feel whole.  In addition, it was surrounding myself with plenty of good friends.  Well, I found my soul mate, and had my friends.  Bought our home, built a deck, bought the 'right' furniture, etc.

Now it was on to a career.  My career in marketing and analysis paid handsomely, but it left a void that I could not define well enough to change until I had my first child.  The definition was clear - I needed to have the kind of career that made sense, for me and my new family.  Whatever career took me away from time with my loved ones had to make a difference, had to help someone in need, had to 'mean' something.  That led me to nursing.  A career in nursing allowed me the benefits of being home with my family, and helping someone in need.  I felt I had peace.

Peace changes with the demands of our lives.  Now, I have two children, with different needs.  I, like everyone else, have had trials and tribulations that test my ability to bend when I need to, to forgive, forget, be compassionate, empathetic, understanding, patient and selfless. All of these things put our power of maturity to work.  All of these things also change our definition of peace. 

Recently, I have had the opportunity to stop, breathe, and really look at the sky, grass and trees.  To inhale and truly exhale the stresses of life, thus allowing me to examine peace, and how to find its meaning.  At this stage in my life, peace is defined in this very, simple way.

Family: The people that live within the walls of my home are so important. Although this is not a new notion, it is more and more clear as I age. 

Friends: I need so few to have my heart filled with the love I need.  Those that are no longer in my life I wish no ill will, which has helped tremendously in the pursuit of peace.  I truly believe that if you release the pain, anger, and/or frustration that you may have felt toward a family member or friend, it will help you realize true peace.   This action is liberating, uplifting, and amazing, to the extent you literally feel the weight of negativity lifted from your being.  This is new to me, and I am convinced that a 'piece of my peace' is achieved from this simple (and difficult) thought. 

Finally - look around.  Recently, I had the opportunity to jump into water at the bottom of a waterfall - fully clothed!  The water was ice cold, cold enough to momentarily stop me from breathing.  The coldness was clarifying and invigorating.  It was perfectly peaceful, even though it was so cold.  It reminded me how great life is, how short it is and how important finding peace is.  Breathe!  Let the environment help you find peace!  I have found myself really looking and appreciating the sky, the color of the leaves against the sky, the color of the clouds.  The fact that I am alive, and healthy enough to sit outside and listen to the silence is peace filling in itself.  This simplicity has helped me find my current definition of peace.

At this stage in your life, how do you define peace?  What does it mean to you, and what can you do more of, or do differently to help you feel peace?  And by the way, if you have the chance, jump into a cold, cold river, under a waterfall and feel the stress leave your body, and replace it with peace in its purist form. 

xoxo

Kati - a mom in the county...