Week 7: A Peaceful Response
Hello and welcome to Week 7 of our Holiday Less Stress Challenge. I hope you've enjoyed this foray into living more peacefully.
Today we'll explore ways to be more peaceful in response to stress and conflict.
We touched upon these a bit earlier in our challenge.
The first lesson we learned was that stretching the muscles every day is a good way to release pent-up tension. (Here’s the link in case you need to re-read it)
When our muscles feel relaxed, we tend to live more peacefully.
So when a situation does arise, someone who has made stretching a part of their routine will be able to handle the matter in a more peaceful way.
We also learned that conflict is normal. Embracing a peace-making attitude means taking disagreements in stride. (Read the related post again here)
Peaceful people tend to have a good handle on their emotions. They know how to maneuver smoothly through conflict. This leads to healthy communication and compromise.
At holiday time, there is apt to be more conflict as we cross paths with many more people than is typical. We are all out and about in the world, trying to get things done in a limited amount of time.
Peaceful people don't get ruffled by the little things that happen each day.
When we feel relaxed, we can work toward peaceful compromise.
JOURNAL IT:
At the end of the day, sit down with pen and paper. Journaling on the computer can seem convenient, sure. But screen time isn't quite as peaceful. So, sit with your writing pad and let your thoughts flow.
For today's journal exercise, run through all of the day's stressors. Think about the big things, like getting into an argument, if that happened. Also think about the petty things, like having to tell your kids to hurry up several times.
Run through the stressful or conflict-laden events of the day. Write down what happened and how you handled it.
Sit back and read through what happened.
Did you manage to work through difficulties with a peaceful, patient heart?
Or did you scowl, snap and grumble?
Did you show patience and kindness to others? Or did you accuse, blame or belittle?
Hopefully you took the peaceful path in your day's dealings. But if you didn't, tomorrow is another chance.
Write down some words or phrases that will help you remember to be understanding and empathetic toward others tomorrow. Things like…
Slow down.
Offer benefit of the doubt.
Be kind.
Spread peace.
(Make a list of your own ideas on how to show peace and patience to others.)
For my paying supporters: Did you download your Holiday Journal already (see post of Nov. 8th)? What do you think about it? Is this helping you to journal your thoughts and bring some peace of mind? I also strongly invite you to read the rest of this message to discover a new exercise and extra tips to help you integrate more peace into your holiday season.