Today I want to share some of my most effective tools for a peaceful life by giving you my A to Z list. Once you’ve reviewed my list, I challenge you to make one of your own.
A – Affirm – this applies to yourself and others. The Oxford dictionary has two definitions for the word affirm: “state as a fact, assert strongly and publicly,” and “offer someone support and encouragement.” I like to think of this as a combination of the two. When we affirm, we are giving support and encouragement, strongly and publicly, when applicable.
B – Breathe – this is one of the most important! When we are mindful about our breath, there are many physical and emotional benefits. Our stress levels can decrease, our heart rate can slow, our blood pressure can normalize, we can better manage discomfort, and take back our control on how we react in many situations.
C – Compassion – the willingness to relieve the suffering of another – helping others with no expectation of reciprocation is critical for a more peaceful life.
D – Dance – get moving! If you prefer a different type of movement, that’s fine too. Dancing can help improve the functions of your heart and lungs, increase your endurance, strength, and motor skills, improve muscle tone, strengthen your bones, improve your coordination, and help in many other ways. It’s also a lot of fun!
E – Emotion Code – this is one of my favorite energy based modalities, which helps you release trapped emotions that can get in the way of you being your best self. Developed by Dr. Bradley Nelson, the Emotion Code has helped millions of people both emotionally and physically.
F – Forgiveness – it goes without saying that when you are able to forgive, let go, and forget life just gets easier. You don’t have to carry around the burdens any more.
G – Gratitude – reflect on the things that make you thankful, appreciate the good, and even appreciate the lessons we learn through difficulties. The more we give gratitude, the more we will find things to be grateful about.
H – Happiness – choose to be happy. Happiness is a choice and life is better when you make the choice to be happy. Set your intention each day that you will choose to be happy, no matter what is going on.
I – Intuition – trust yourself. You’ve probably heard someone say, “trust your gut.” Well, I believe that we all have that sense inside of us, some call it intuition, some call it a sixth sense, that let’s us know what is right for us, and what isn’t. Learn to trust that feeling.
J – Judgment free – living a judgment free life isn’t always easy. We are constantly surrounded by people judging all kinds of things – people, events, ideas – the list is endless. It is not up to us to judge. We still need to be able to take in all the data, and make educated decisions, but that is discernment. There’s a fine line between discernment and judgment.
K – Kindness – be kind to everyone you meet and everything you encounter. It doesn’t cost anything to be kind, yet it can make a world of difference to someone who may be having a tough time. Kindness doesn’t just apply to people, it is also animals, and our environment. Develop the attitude and practice of kindness and your life automatically will feel more peaceful.
L – Love unconditionally, without restrictions, just like our Creator loves us. It’s the best way.
M – Moderation – this is a tough one! Enjoy life, enjoy your food and drinks, enjoy your things, enjoy being with others – just don’t go overboard. Look for balance.
N – Nice – just be nice. Enough said.
O – Open minded – keep your mind open to new thoughts and ideas. That doesn’t mean you have to buy into everything you hear, but it’s in your best interest to listen carefully and challenge your own thoughts and ideas.
P – Patience – the ability to remain calm while you are waiting for an outcome. It’s being able to wait, even though we really want something right now. When you are able to be patient, you will enjoy better mental health, people will see you as a better friend or neighbor, you will be more able to achieve your goals, and studies have shown it may improve your health.
Q – Quiet – take time to be quiet – most of us live a hectic life, filled with all kinds of noise, static, and chaos. With all that goes on around us, we need to take some time each day to be quiet. How you do it is up to you. Some people enjoy meditation, some prayer, some just like to sit outside and enjoy nature.
R – Respect – respect yourself and respect others. Allow people the freedom to be themselves, and make their own choices.
S – Stay strong – stay strong not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
T – Truthful – let your word be your bond. Keep your promises, follow through on your commitments, be honest in your dealings. I was once told that if you are always truthful, you don’t have to remember as much – think about that one for a bit. “Truth is its own defense, therefore if something can’t speak for itself, it’s not truth.” Craig D. Lounsbrough
U – Unwavering – Oscar Bimpong once said, “The best foundation anyone can build in life is a mindset that is unwavering when the storm rages.” When you are unwavering, you have determination, resolution, and persistence to get from where you are now to where you want to be.
V – Victory – claim your victories – they are waiting for you!
X – Xanadu – in this context, a metaphor for an idyllic place – the place of your dreams. One of the tools for a peaceful life is to always hold on to your dreams, but not be possessed by them. Xanadu is a reminder in the movie Citizen Kane of why we shouldn’t be obsessed, but the poem “Kubla Khan” refers to Xanadu as a place of beauty.
Y – Young at heart – you are as young inside as you think you are. Don’t let yourself get too set in your ways, pay attention to the way young children interact and play. They enjoy life and don’t take themselves too seriously.
Z – Zealous – defined as having a passionate energy for a belief or purpose. Live each day enthusiastically and energetically. Know what you want, know your purpose, and pursue it.
I hope this list has given you things to think about. What would your A to Z list include?
Find your purpose – find your joy!
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Did you find a few more ideas of your own? If so, I’d love to hear about them in the comments, and as always please reach out with your thoughts.
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