Happy Positive Thursday everyone!
Hope you’ve had a great week. Thanks to everyone who read my 8WD post last week, When Your Dreams Take Off – Don’t Look Back. I appreciate everyone’s words of wisdom and encouragement. Thank you also for sending positive thoughts and prayers my way this week as I head off to California!
In my post last week, I wrote:
Looking back on the past often deprives you of the joy in the present.
Looking back on the past – if not put in perspective – can often “freeze” you in time and not allow you to move forward with you life.
Looking back on the past can often make you view those experiences from a foggy lens and not see the big picture of life.
It’s vital that we remain in the moment we are in and soak up each and every opportunity for what it’s worth. Rather than look back on the past wishing you could be there again or wishing you could have changed something, be content where you are at.
And continue pursuing the future.
The above image really hit home for me – today WE can make the conscious choice to move forward.
We can channel our energy to focus on all we can do and will do in life. One of my absolute favorite quotes is this:
If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.
To move forward, peace is vital.
I thought I knew what peace entailed, but reading and studying the actual definition puts the meaning into perspective.
Check it out:
Peace n.
1. The absence of war or other hostilities
2. In a state of tranquility
3. Inner contentment; serenity:
Obviously, world peace is something everyone has heard of and most people hope for with our country. But being at peace as an individual is a bit different.
Peace is a state of being. Peace means we are still, calm and simply OKAY. Rather than be ruled by feelings of nervousness, excitement, depression, anxiety (whatever), be ruled by peace.
Being at peace is a choice, and a lifestyle.
Peace means despite the ups and downs, the scary transitions, the new chapters in life, you are stable and okay as an individual.
Your thoughts are not ruled by day-to-day feelings and emotions. 
While seeking peace, sometimes it’s necessary to detach ourselves from the situations and the people we are surrounded with.
Stepping outside of the given moment allows us to gain some perspective and not be swayed by feelings or emotions.
I’ve learned that I need to take myself out of situations I’m in and not base my mood around what other people think about me or say to me.
Being at peace means being okay with who you are, where you are at, and what it is you are doing.
I found an article, How to Find Peace of Mind at Success Consciousness that shared ways to find peace of mind.
Here are 8 ways to find peace of mind:
- Take a walk and spend some time alone.
- Read inspiring quotes every day.
- Be more forgiving, and don’t harbor grudges or resentments.
- Don’t blame or criticize other people.
- Don’t postpone doing things that you have to, and which don’t like doing. Do them, and take them out of your mind.
- Be aware of your thoughts and refuse dwelling on negative thoughts or worries. Don’t fight them, but just try to express lack of interest in them.
- When feeling worried or tense, take a few deep breaths.
- Seek the company of peaceful people.
The same article explained (about peace):
In this state there is calmness and happiness, better concentration, inner strength, and a heightened state of awareness. Your external life might not necessarily change, but your inner life, your mind, and your attitude would change
Peace is a journey.
And a very worthwhile one to embark on. Do you have special ways that you find peace in life?
May your week be full of peace, joy and big dreams – thanks for reading!
Until next positive Thursday
XO — Andi
Andrea’s dream is to graduate college from Ohio University in spring 2011, to find a job that allows her to utilize her public relations education and skills; to launch her own personal website www.polish-my-crown.com; and to become a certified life coach and motivational speaker.
Andrea completed 3 dreams in her 15 months with 8 Women Dream and rotated off the site in March of 2012. You can now find her at her personal websites Polish My Crown and Positive Thursdays.
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