10 ways to a more peaceful life

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in dramas — our own or those of others.

So, for those battling fatigue, disenchantment, anger and frustration, here are 10 ways to a more peaceful life. If you’re looking to make a positive change, there’s no better place to start than right here.

Let Go of the Past

“Easy to say!” I hear you protest. Granted, this can be hard to do, but letting go is essential to a more peaceful life. Clinging to past misery and hurt does not empower you, it drags you down. Next time you catch yourself wallowing, stop. Catch the thought and replace it with one of your happiest memories.

Stop Obsessing

Turning things over in your head makes things bigger. Try instead to make things smaller. In your mind, take a snapshot of the thing that has caused you hurt or pain. Now, mentally fade out all the color, until your snapshot is black and white. Then shrink it down until it’s the size of a postage stamp. File it away some place at the back of your mind, and forget about it.

See the Bright Side

When you’ve been disappointed by love and life, remaining optimistic can take some effort. Try turning your thinking upside down. Instead of expecting to be disappointed, try approaching things with no expectation at all. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the outcome when you re-adjust your mindset.

Stop Jumping to Conclusions

Making assumptions — which are often wrong — burns up mental energy that could be used for better things. Don’t over-analyze every tiny detail by mentally playing out possible outcomes from every situation and encounter. Pay attention to the present instead of trying to predict the future.

Don’t be Ruled

This time of our lives is for exploring and celebrating our potential. Don’t limit your happiness by imposing unnecessary rules and guidelines on your life. Instead, try to lighten up a little and let life woo you with its marvellous unpredictability and serendipity. Throw out the rule book and let your hair down.

Quit Complaining

Complainers are often unaware of the impact their negative commentary has on others — and themselves. If you’re a ‘glass half empty’ kind of person, you can make your life (and that of your loved ones) a lot more peaceful by keeping your unconstructive comments to yourself. Save your bile for something really worthwhile.

Learn to Bend

You’ve checked off a lot of life’s personal milestones, and along the way have picked up some particular ways of thinking… and ‘being.’ But living day-to-day with rigid structure or superstition does not bring peace. Quit being a perfectionist or demanding perfection from others. Accept that sometimes days, even weeks, don’t go according to plan. Bending will make the inevitable hiccups easier to bear.

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Be Thankful

Sometimes it’s hard to see it, but each and every day there is something you can be thankful for. Acknowledge a hard-earned achievement, a small success, a personal milestone or even something as simple as having fresh, clean water to drink, a roof over your head and a warm meal at night. Be humble. Be grateful and feel the sense of contentment come from within.

Stop the Noise

Serenity can’t exist in a life filled with noise and clutter — and I’m not talking about a messy house here. Make a point of turning down the volume on things that are not essential to your well-being. Whether it’s your work colleague’s woes, your neighbor’s rants or your sibling’s quibbling, tuning out to the drama of others doesn’t make you a bad person, just a more peaceful one.

Let Love In

Many of us spend years building a protective wall around our hearts. Fear of rejection or of being hurt compels us to make our inner selves impenetrable. And what hard work this constant vigilance is! Take a chance on romance and let a little love into your heart. And feel the peace that comes with letting someone connect with the real you.

Article courtesy of Click by Lavalife.