The Search for Peace

Let’s begin with a few thought-provoking questions. Have you ever encountered the saying, ‘You are what you eat’? What about the notion that ‘You are what you think’? Perhaps you’ve been advised that your actions and thought patterns can be shaped by the company you keep. Do you believe that your preferences in music or television can exert an influence on you?

 Beware of Deceptive Distractions:

I’ve embarked on a quest for inner peace that’s been ongoing for some time now. Even before facing the recent trauma, I felt the need to seek solace. Numerous religious organizations preach about finding peace through their teachings, while recovery programs pledge serenity if one follows their prescribed steps. The absence of inner peace can lead to a multitude of detrimental consequences.

However, it’s crucial to exercise caution during this pursuit, for Satan often exploits moments of vulnerability. He cunningly presents seemingly peaceful distractions, luring us away from genuine peace. I often envision myself as Indiana Jones on his quest for the Lost Ark Just when everything seems calm, one misstep triggers a massive boulder – a symbol of Satan’s influence – hurtling toward me.

Satan patiently waits for that one moment of weakness, and when it arrives, he comes at us with relentless force.

Lessons in Perception and Positivity:

I want to share some things I have learned during my search for peace. Some of these things you may find in other blogs I have written, but I want to share them again for those who may not have read all of the previous blogs.

1. Your eyes are a crucial part of finding peace. They are not only a window to your soul but also a tool that your soul uses to perceive the world.

What do you allow your eyes to see? Do you surround yourself with negative people, or do you gravitate towards positive influences? Pay attention to the conversations around you. Are they filled with complaints and criticism, or are they focused on uplifting and supporting others? Are these people constantly highlighting others’ mistakes or helping them learn and grow? Finding peace is elusive when you engage in tearing others down to make yourself look better. If you surround yourself with negativity, you’ll absorb it, and that’s exactly what Satan wants—to cloud your mind with doubt and fear, to sow seeds of dislike in your heart. The more you voice something, the more it becomes ingrained in your belief system.

2. How do you interpret what your eyes perceive?When you see someone on the corner asking for money, what thoughts cross your mind? Do you immediately empathize, thinking, “Look at that individual in need; I feel compassion for them,” or do you jump to judgment, assuming, “That person looks disheveled; they’d probably misuse any money I give them”? You might even feel fear, thinking, “That person appears intimidating; I should avoid them to stay safe.” Of course, use your best judgment, especially when alone. Avoid hasty judgments. Remember that you will be judged in the same measure you judge others one day. Satan thrives on making you believe you’re superior to others. How can you find peace when you’re continually speaking negatively about everyone you encounter?
3. What sounds do you allow your ears to absorb?Are you accustomed to hearing foul language daily? Do you listen to music that promotes hate, substance abuse, or other negative themes? Or do you choose music that uplifts and inspires you? I adore music, especially when it resonates with my emotions. Some songs feel like the songwriter put my thoughts into lyrics and melodies. However, there’s music that demeans women, religion, and positivity. If I listen to a song like “Loser” by Beck every day and sing along, I might start believing I’m a loser. If I fill my life with inspiring tunes, I’ll likely improve my outlook.
4. What words do you allow to escape from your mouth?If you repeat something to yourself long enough, you’ll eventually accept it as truth. How do those around you speak to you? Do they communicate with respect, or do they consistently criticize and belittle you? Do you tell yourself daily, “I can achieve this,” or do you default to “I can’t”? The repetition of “I can’t” breeds negative thinking. Tell yourself, “I will do this” or “I can do this, maybe with some help, but I’ll succeed.” Remind yourself daily that you are valuable. We are all God’s children, created equally. If God deemed you significant enough to create, who are you to think otherwise?

Recently, an old friend and I discussed my quest for inner peace. He suggested a daily exercise: write down five things I am grateful for and five things I like about myself. Writing down my gratitude is relatively easy, as I’m thankful for many things. However, listing things I like about myself? That’s a challenge for me. Self-appreciation has never come easily; I’ve rarely liked myself much. While there are aspects I appreciate, saying, “I like myself” seems foreign. This friend of mine, also in recovery, holds more experience, so I’ve decided to stop complaining and write down five things I like about myself.

Gratitude | Things I like about myself:

1. God providing me salvation | I am still searching for strong faith and peace.
2. My daughter’s commitment to excelling in college | I have a big heart when it comes to family.
3. Thankful for each day’s fresh start | I excel at my job, and others respect me.
4. A loving wife | I appreciate that I’m helping others through a blog.
5. Witnessing the beauty of each sunrise | I value that I journal my thoughts, whether good or bad.

It’s a start, I guess.

I challenge you to begin your list every morning and observe its impact on you.

Achieving Inner Peace Through Action and Faith:

My recovery program extends several promises to me, but there’s a catch—I have to actively work towards them. They don’t come naturally. Let me share them here:

“We are going to experience a newfound freedom and a fresh sense of happiness. We will not dwell in regrets about the past nor seek to close the door on it. We’ll grasp the true meaning of serenity and find inner peace. Regardless of how low we’ve sunk, we’ll uncover how our experiences can benefit others. That sense of uselessness and self-pity will vanish. Our preoccupation with selfish concerns will wane, replaced by genuine care for our fellow beings. The pursuit of self-will shall slip away. Our entire attitude and perspective on life will undergo a transformation. Fear of people and economic insecurity will no longer torment us. We’ll intuitively discern how to navigate the perplexing situations that once confounded us. We’ll suddenly realize that our Higher Power is doing for us what we couldn’t do alone. Are these promises extravagant? We think not! They are being realized among us—sometimes swiftly, sometimes gradually. They will always manifest if we actively strive for them.” – Adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous, pages 83-84.

I’m still on my quest for peace. Today, I find myself in a much better place than I was several years ago. However, I recognize the need to place more trust in my Higher Power. It’s one of my major stumbling blocks. I still have the urge to control outcomes, to take the wheel and steer instead of allowing my Higher Power to guide me. But I’m not perfect, while my Higher Power is. I often wonder, “Why can’t I simply let Him take the driver’s seat? Why wouldn’t I want a flawless being to assume control? Someone incapable of crashing, someone who will never let me fail if I place my trust in them?”

Embracing Progress:

My quest for peace will persist; I won’t surrender. I realize I need to put in more effort. Today, that boulder seems a little easier to impede. Five years ago, I couldn’t have cared less about a sunrise, yet today, I’m genuinely grateful to witness it. That’s progress, and I’ll embrace it.

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