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Connect With Your Community!
In 1888, Alfred Nobel picked up his morning newspaper on a cold January in Switzerland. At the time, Alfred was known globally as the inventor of dynamite and one of the world’s leading weaponry manufacturers.
He read the headline: “Today, Alfred Nobel has passed away.” Completely confused, he called the newspaper to report the error. It turned out that a rushed, overly keen reporter had failed to check the names and wrote the mistaken headline.
It was an unusual chance to see his life as others saw it, and Alfred was stunned to find out he was known as “The Merchant of Death” due to his war business.
He was changed profoundly by his experience, and he resolved to change his legacy. In the following weeks, he sold his business and arranged that his fortune would fund an award to those who did the most for the cause of peace in the world.
And so, today, we remember Alfred Nobel not as an arms merchant but as the founder of the Nobel Prize for Peace.
During a recent layover in Amsterdam, a Flight Attendant friend and I engaged in great conversations while roaming the city. In one of our conversations, I told her I wanted to write an article about inner peace. When I said it, she naturally asked, “How do you obtain inner peace?”
The first thought that came to mind was gratitude, as gratitude and inner peace are intertwined. Gratitude often anchors us in the present moment, urging us to acknowledge and appreciate all the blessings and miracles, whether big or small.
There is so much positivity that comes from expressing gratitude. I have learned that I must be intentional daily to write three things I am grateful for in my journal. Research suggests that expressing gratitude can reduce stress and anxiety, fostering a sense of connection with others. It guides us toward fulfillment with what we have rather than focusing on what we lack. Expressing gratitude increases feelings of joy, contentment, and happiness.
Gratitude, I’ve found, is the powerful gateway to inner peace.
Inner peace is also rooted in being present. When we are fully aware of the present and accept it without judgment, we have a sense of calmness and tranquility. Rather than dwelling on the uncertainties, cultivating a mindset of gratitude allows us to find peace and acknowledge what is going well in our lives. By reducing stress by expressing gratitude, we create space for inner peace to flourish by appreciating the beauty of each moment.
Life gets busy, especially now with the approaching Holiday season. During the hustle and bustle, fostering inner peace becomes imperative. It’s not about the external circumstances but an internal connection with our creator. In John 14:27 (TPT), Jesus gave His disciples this profound revelation: “I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts, instead, be courageous!” Trusting in God’s plan, surrendering worries through prayer, and expressing gratitude transform anxiety into peacefulness.
My non-negotiable morning routine is my anchor. It’s a time in the morning when it is quiet and peaceful—no distractions. The stillness of the morning becomes a conductor for that internal connection to God as I write in my journal and spend time in prayer and meditation. It sets the tone for a less chaotic and stressful day with fewer distractions. It’s a time when I open my heart to approach the day with clarity.
Two significant shifts in my life were letting go of control and setting healthy boundaries. Embracing the reality that not everything is within my control brought me a sense of freedom. Inner peace often comes when we release the need to control every aspect of our lives.
Setting healthy boundaries is an act of self-care I’m learning to embrace. Sharing scenarios with my friend highlighted disconnect and inner turmoil patterns in certain situations. Learning to say no when necessary and prioritizing self-care has become my compass towards inner peace.
Cultivating inner peace is not an escape from life’s challenges but a navigation of them with tranquility. Embracing the present, practicing gratitude, cultivating mindfulness, letting go of control, and establishing healthy boundaries pave the way for a more peaceful existence.
“Your life is a masterpiece when you learn to master peace.” ~Albert K. Strong
To connect with Ellie FB @coachelliewest Certified Master Practitioner of NLP
