“In a world where ideas, doctrine, busyness, and success get so much recognition, we forgo an ‘inner life,’ and in doing so, we neglect our emotions.”- Bob Goff, Live in Grace, Walk in Love: A 365-Day Journey
Ever find yourself so frazzled by all the demands of modern day life? Finding inner peace can feel like an unattainable goal. However, peace is not about eliminating or becoming discouraged by challenges but cultivating a mindset that allows us to thrive despite them. Inner peace isn’t something external to be found—it’s a state of being that comes from within. By incorporating certain practices and perspectives, you can cultivate daily serenity and joy, no matter the circumstances around you. Let’s explore 5 ways in which you can discover peace within.
5 Ways to Find Inner Peace
1. You Let Go of What You Can’t Control and Take Action on What You Can Control
One of life’s greatest sources of stress is the tendency to hold on to things you have no power over. Whether it is someone else’s behavior, the outcome of a situation, or past mistakes, holding on to these uncontrollable circumstances only drains your energy and fills you with negative feelings. In order to release things out of your control, first identify what is within your control and what is not. When faced with the uncontrollable, shift your focus to your response rather than the situation itself. Instead, take action on the things that you can control. To find peace, focus on what is within your power—your actions, thoughts, and responses. Set small, achievable goals that align with your values. Prioritize self-care by addressing the needs of your mind, body, and soul. When faced with challenges, mindfully utilize a problem-solving approach. By channeling your energy into proactive steps, you shift from feeling helpless to empowered. This simple shift brings clarity and peace.
2. You Are Not Affected by People’s Judgments
The weight of others’ opinions can feel overwhelming, but the truth is, how people perceive you is often a reflection of their own insecurities, rather than reality. In actuality, true peace comes from staying true to your authentic self by focusing on your own values and intentions. When you define your worth based on external validation, you give away your power. However, criticism loses its sting when you are detached from others’ opinions because you are anchored in self-acceptance. And where there is acceptance, there is peace. Remember to consistently practice self-compassion and affirm your unique strengths and principles. When you truly embrace your individuality, you will feel not only cultivate a more positive sense of self-perception, but a heightened realization of self-worth.
3. You Express Gratitude, Kindness, and Forgiveness.
Gratitude, kindness, and forgiveness are powerful tools for garnering inner peace. Gratitude shifts your perspective from scarcity to abundance, reminding you of the blessings in your life. It is a powerful tool for shifting your perspective. When you focus on the good in your life, you create space for positivity and reduce the impact of negativity. Keep a gratitude journal, writing down three things you are thankful for each day. Express appreciation to the people around you, whether through a kind word, a prayer, or a handwritten note.
Kindness not only affects others but also uplifts you, creating a ripple effect that strengthens our connection to others. Perform small acts of kindness daily, such as helping a neighbor or smiling at a stranger. When you do good, you feel good.
Forgiveness, though sometimes challenging, is one of the most liberating acts of humanity. Holding on to resentment only binds you to pain, but releasing it through forgiveness allows you to heal and move forward. Holding onto anger or grudges only weighs you down. Recognize that forgiveness doesn’t excuse bad behavior, but it does free you from its tight grip. Try to replace negative thoughts about others with empathy and understanding. Whether you choose to absolve others or yourself from hurt or wrongdoing, forgiveness creates space for love and peace to flow.
4. Look for the Good in Every Situation
Life is full of challenges, but even the darkest moments carry lessons and opportunities for growth. When you train your mind to look for the good in every situation, you build resilience and optimism. Searching for the silver lining doesn’t mean ignoring hardships—it means choosing to learn and grow from them. Celebrate small victories and progress, even in challenging times. By reframing your perspective, you can transform obstacles into stepping stones toward success and peace.
5. Let Go of and Learn from the Past So You Can Live in the Present
Dwelling on past mistakes or regrets can rob you of joy in the present. You can easily become trapped in a cycle of guilt, blame, and shame. Similarly, holding onto nostalgia for “better times” prevents you from appreciating the present. The past is a teacher, not a prison. Instead, use the past as a roadmap for growth and focus your energy on the here and now. Reflect on your past with a compassionate lens to extract insightful life lessons, then release any negative emotional weight. One way to let go the past, is to write a goodbye letter to old regrets. When you let go of the past and stop worrying about the future, you can immerse yourself in the now. Celebrate simple joys by engaging your senses. Appreciate the sight of a beautiful sunset; feel the warmth of the sun on your skin; take delight in the sound of your children’s laughter. Mindfulness is a powerful tool for staying present. By practicing mindfulness, you anchor yourself to the beauty and simplicity of the moment, allowing peace to blossom naturally. We live in a fast-paced world, so starting the day with practices such as meditation and exercise ground our mind and bodies to the current moment. Additionally, limiting your distractions such as excessive screen time or phone use enables you to fully engage with your current surroundings. Peace is found in your ability to appreciate life as it unfolds.
Inner peace is not a destination but a continuous practice. Remember, peace begins within. Take small steps each day, and over time, you’ll find that inner calm isn’t something you seek—it’s something you already have. By letting go of what you can’t control and acting on what you can will free you from inner stress. Nurturing gratitude, kindness, and forgiveness can create a life filled with purpose and joy. Seeking lessons from every difficult situation will alleviate the ails of difficult situations. Relinquishing the past and embracing the present will help cultivate a mindset that finds beauty in every moment. Peace is already within you—you just need to let it flourish.
This is so important this time of year. The holidays can be so stressful- it helps to let go of things you cannot control, and rather, focus on being grateful for things you have. Thankful for your reminder❤️
I’m thankful for you taking the time out of your day to write such kind words =)