A Season of Peace

The Christmas season is upon us. We feel the pressure to buy the right gifts and create memorable parties and gatherings. In fact, all year long we are striving to get ahead, to make it to the next level, to better ourselves, to bring great service to others - to improve our image. Even though striving to accomplish these things is a noble pursuit, it can take us over and keep us in a constant state of doing instead of being. We forget to stop and enjoy our successes. I believe this season is not only a time to share goodwill with others, but also to share goodwill with ourselves. To focus on what is most important in our lives and to focus on how valuable we are.

How can we anchor the feeling of peace inside of us this season? Our outer image is a reflection of what is going on inside of us. When we stop and applaud ourselves for what we have accomplished, it instills a feeling of value and worthiness deep inside of us. It silences our inner critic. That feeling of value transfers into everything that we do - every interaction that we have. It builds a foundation of peace and contentment that is priceless. Other people are attracted to that peacefulness. Situations are drawn to us easily and effortlessly.

I believe that we are constantly striving to find our connection to a greater power, to feel inner happiness and peace, and to give of ourselves in a meaningful way. The Christmas season is the perfect time to reflect on this. We have been taught to believe that outer experience rules inner experience, but it is just the opposite - inner rules outer. When we find that place of inner peace and contentment, there is nothing that can get in our way. People and situations that used to cause fear and pain are transformed. Our outer experiences become richer and more meaningful. We are different and in response, our world becomes different.

My wish for you this season is that you are able to discover this solid, content and peaceful place inside. It would be the best gift you could give to yourself and to others. Once you find that place inside of you, everything else is just icing on the cake.