PRIORITIZE YOUR PEACE OF MIND By Mercy Karumba – It takes a mentally strong person to know that their peace of mind is the most important achievement they may seek. Sometimes we make the assumption that peace of mind prevails in good times, when things are going as they should, yet peace of mind is actually possible right in the midst of the storms of life. The question is, how do we achieve this?
- Realize that perfection may not always be achieved – In the quest for perfection, we often miss out on the beauty of life and appreciating the current achievements. By celebrating the small wins, and realizing that we may not achieve perfection at all times, only then can we get to peace of mind. Perfectionists like some of us, often suffer from anxiety which robs us of the joy of the moment and even prevents us from appreciating what might have actually worked out, simply because everything didn’t go as planned.
- Stay away from toxic people – Negative energy and criticism is the spark that flames the fire of self-hate and depression. Children are not the only ones who suffer from bullying, and by allowing so much negativity in to our lives, this often determines how we feel about ourselves in the long-run resulting in us experiencing the same effects as a bullied child. How much do we allow people’s opinions to dictate our self-worth?
- Find time to meditate and nourish the mind – The mind is a garden that needs to be nourished. By taking time each day to meditate and nourish the mind, then this precious ‘garden’ grows healthy. Through nourishing the mind, we are able to let go of negative experiences and instead, fill our minds with what helps us grow positively. We are also able to know which toxic people to let go of and how to grow ourselves in the right direction. Just like a garden needs pruning, so too does the mind.
- Avoid the victim mentality – How often do we host pity-parties, blaming everyone else apart from ourselves on circumstances to which we find ourselves? By realizing the role that we ourselves have played in creating the situation(s) we find ourselves in, we are then able to take responsibility for our actions and change our situation in due time. Sadly, many of us prefer to have the victim mentality and in the end, we don’t want to grow up beyond this. This only keeps us stuck in the same rut, doing the same things while expecting different results.
What is robbing you of your peace of mind? Is it your perfectionism, toxic friends and family, your own personal mind-set or your victim mentality? Let us realize that peace of mind is far more important than being right or being a people pleaser. To get a male perspective on this, check out Mitch’s post below.
PRIORITIZE YOUR PEACE OF MIND By Mitchell Odhiambo
In the account of Thessalonica, the good book would admonish, make it your lead life ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to be at peace with everyone as far as it depends on you. Please take this to heart and guard your heart with all diligence because out of it flows the issues of life.
Your heart is like a wellspring, your mind a fountain of life. Feed it with what is excellent, what is praiseworthy, what is noble, what is of good report, what is productive and what is honorable and out of it shall flow rivers of living waters to refresh your souls and to garrison your minds.
If you neglect it, shrubs will grow, and soil your peace. Far worse, if you allow it to mingle with envy and jealousy, malice and treachery, you will pollute your springs and ruin your own reward. For a man’s belly is filled with the proceeds of his lips, they that know its power, shall eat its fruit. For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh.
Set your own goals and compete day upon day to improve on oneself and to be a better version of what you were yesterday. Return virtue for virtue, and virtue for vice. Be cognizant and in control of your environment, shield it from all forms of pollution and as sure as light is day and darkness follows night, the liberal soul shall be made fat.
Be a force for good, an emissary of hope and an embodiment of love. Let your environment be that which breeds harmony and promotes growth.
Until we speak again, I am your host Mitchell Odhiambo. Welcome to a man’s new world.
