There are times when a day just feels overwhelmingly grey. Something beneath the surface leaves me feeling unsettled and off balance. I may know the cause, and I might have even tried to resolve it. But that grey feeling remains, occupying my mind and zapping me of my energy. It might have been a difficult encounter with a family member, an awkward conversation with a friend or a tense interaction with a colleague. Even after the moment has passed and everyone else seems to have moved on, my mind stays stuck.
When I Can’t Find Peace Within Myself
Often, the first step I take in addressing these feelings is to pinpoint exactly what is causing them. If another person is involved, I try to reach out directly or write a note. This might involve clarifying a misunderstanding, providing more detailed information or offering a sincere apology. However, I have found that even these efforts do not always dispel the unsettling feeling. There are times when I cannot resolve the conflict inside through conversation or action with others. Instead, it becomes a process of finding peace or acceptance within.
Finding Calm Through Movement and Solitude
For many people, peace is achieved by engaging in physical activities. Yoga, Pilates and fitness classes provide not only a way to exercise the body but also an opportunity to release stress. Weightlifting, swimming, running and biking are also great ways to create energy and support emotional well-being. These activities offer an outlet for unsettled feelings, helping us find calm through movement.
Although I firmly believe that exercise is essential for physical, mental and emotional well-being, there are moments when I recognize the need for solitude. When I cannot shake the feeling of being off-balance, I often seek out quiet time. This is a time to have honest conversations with myself and reflect on recent events – considering what I may have done wrong or right and thinking about what I need to do in the future. Sometimes, I find a peaceful spot in the house or sit outside on the step. Other times, I might take a walk down the street. The most important thing is that I recognize when I need to be alone with my thoughts.
During these moments of solitude, I have learned that finding a clear solution is not always possible. There are times that the situation is simply beyond my ability to fix. In these instances, I remind myself to acknowledge this truth and focus on moving forward rather than dwelling on what cannot be changed.
When faced with challenges that I cannot resolve on my own, I turn to God. I ask for guidance, wisdom, strength, courage and patience to help me navigate these tough times and continue on my path. This process of acceptance and seeking support gives me the motivation to move ahead, even when perfect solutions remain out of reach.
I used to use the phrase “peace of mind” lightly. Not anymore.
Realizing How Important Peace Of Mind Truly Is
Peace of mind is not simply an empty saying or a casual expression, it represents something deeply meaningful. My experiences have shown me that genuine peace within myself is sometimes hard to attain, especially when unsettled feelings linger after difficult moments or interactions. Even when I try to resolve conflict or seek clarity, that sense of balance can remain elusive. Through reflection, solitude and sometimes seeking guidance beyond myself, I have learned that peace of mind is a state worth pursuing, requiring intentional effort and acceptance.
As I reflect on finding inner calm and navigating unsettled emotions, I also wish peace for you. Just as I seek acceptance and understanding through moments of quiet to restore my well-being, I hope that peace finds its way to you as well – even during the most challenging times.
Ellen Beans
I served as a Director at Bryan Health for 40 years. Pat served as the Chief Financial Officer for NRC Health for many years. He now serves as the Manager for Amandla, LLC.
We have two sons, Winston and Beau. Winston is married to Emily, and they have a daughter, Sophia, 5 years old. Beau is self-employed and works diligently to assure the success of his company. He also carries the title of Best Uncle Ever!
As the author of the Grandparent blog, I’ll be writing about the challenges and rewards of retirement. I’ll focus on the roles I have taken on in life – spouse, parent, In-law, grandparent, colleague and friend, and how they have changed over the years. This is the plan for the blog, but as we all know, plans can change!
