"“If it costs you your peace it’s too expensive.” – Unknown
Here we are, 12 days in to 2024. So far I have been marked safe from Kat Williams, seen a judge attacked on the bench, viewed the revelation of a hidden baby we all knew about, heard about sad/tragic stories via news outlets, and the list goes on. This year is definitely starting out with fireworks.
I have also seen several social media posts regarding boundaries, mental health, , self-care, and there seems to be an emphasis on protecting your peace.
Many of the events that we see and go through on a daily basis make for the need to protect our peace, sanity, and mental well-being. Since retiring from the cake world, I have spent time resting, enjoying outings, spending time with family, and it has done wonders. I no longer feel the additional pressure that was put upon me by entrepreneurship, but still feel that I’m not at that point where I’m completely at peace. I’m a creative and it’s hard to wind down when your creative wheels are always turning. With that being said, I have found that there are several ways to protect your peace.
SETTING BOUNDARIES
Set Boundaries. Let's say that again - Set Boundaries. Everyone doesn't need access to you all of the time. Boundaries alleviate stress, worry, and everything associated with not holding your ground. Set your boundaries and stay firm. The word "No" is a complete sentence. Leave and let go of situations and people who disrupt your peace. You can always say hello from a distance.
POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS/PRAYER/MEDITATION
Positive affirmations, prayer, meditation, (whichever you prefer) puts you in the mind space of positivity and confidence to move forward with your day and helps you remember who you are.
I like to read the affirmations in I Declare - 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life by Joel Osteen. Each declaration helps me get through the day and always applies to what the day brings.
The declaration for the 12th day of the month (today) is:
"I DECLARE I am special and extraordinary. I am not average! I have been custom-made. I am one of a kind. Of all the things God created, what He is most proud of is me. I am his masterpiece, His most prized possession. I will keep my head held high, knowing I am a child of the most high God, made in His very image. This is my declaration."
How can you not be at peace knowing that you are extraordinary and can face anything that comes your way???
SELF-CARE
Self care is non-negotiable. As the saying goes, you can't pour from an empty cup. And you cant be at peace. Take time for you. Get a facial, get a massage, go get that mani-pedi. Get lots of rest. Even a simple cup of tea will suffice, if that's what makes you feel good.
Do something nice for yourself. Treat yourself to a meal, a small shopping trip, go buy your favorite snack. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Just something that makes you happy.
These days my favorite forms of self care are very simple but relaxing. A hot shower, comfy pjs, fuzzy socks, a cup of lemon ginger tea, and the scents of lavender from my diffuser provide a calming way to wind down my day. I also find that marathon binge watching on Netflix and eating favorite snacks is an excellent form of self care.
REDUCE SOCIAL MEDIA TIME
It's ok to take a break from social media or limit your time online. This is easier said than done, but brings a certain amount of peace from all of the scandals, negativity, and cruel words/behaviors from the world. Viewing this information on a daily basis can have a negative effect on your spirit. A lot of time is spent scrolling mindlessly when we can use that time to do something productive.
In the past few weeks, I have unfollowed accounts/pages that do not offer or provide the positivity that I want to see. I removed the TikTok and Facebook apps from my phone. I'm still debating on removing Instagram as that is where I post on my August June's Kitchen page and chat with friends on my personal page. I may just decrease the time spent on the platform.
DO SOMETHING YOU ENJOY
We are always at peace when we do something that we enjoy We are relaxed, in a great mood and that carries over throughout the day or week.
I find that I am in my peaceful place when listening to music, cooking, or doing anything regarding home decor. I used to be an avid reader before the cake business took over. i am slowly getting back into it.
To sum it all up: Here’s to 2024. May we protect our peace at all costs.