Protecting Your Peace

One of the best things I ever did for myself was to buy a Peloton. I used to take spin classes at my gym, but then Covid hit.

A friend from spin class texted me on March 12, 2020, when we heard the gym was “temporarily” closed and told me I must buy a Peloton. 

Her husband is the head of a local hospital and she had intel that I didn’t at the time. She told me that her husband believed that gyms would not be opening anytime soon.

That’s all I needed to hear. So without much research or contemplating, I bought a Peloton. It arrived at my house 2 weeks later and I’ve never looked back.

At first, it was just a replacement for the cardio I was getting at the gym, but over time, it became so much more.

I started adding strength, stretching and meditation classes to my routine. 

One day as I was meditating with Cody (one of my favorite teachers) he said something that has now become one of my favorite mantras.

He said to do whatever you have to do to protect your peace.

“We deserve peace and we deserve joy and those two things go hand in hand.”

I paused the TV and watched it again. He was talking directly to me because I was doing things in my life that were counterproductive to protecting my peace.

It got me thinking about what other people do to protect their peace. 

For some, I know it’s quitting a job where they are undervalued. For others it’s carving out time to work out and/or meditate. 

And the one that is usually the most important in protecting your peace-creating boundaries or eliminating people out of your life who are not good for you.

A friend of mine even stopped talking to their own mom. At first I thought that was really harsh, but the more I learned about them and how toxic they were, I realized we all have to put ourselves first. 

Even if that means cutting people out of our lives for good or breaking up with a friend or significant other, 

It could even meet disappointing family. Like deciding you are not driving 8 hours to spend Thanksgiving at your in-laws.

Inevitably, someone could get hurt when you do things to protect yourself. Don’t let that deter you. 

I’m not saying don’t ever go to your in-laws again, but maybe find a compromise.

For example, celebrate one holiday a year with them, but you get to be home for Thanksgiving.

Or maybe you visit them over the summer, but only stay with them a few days and the rest of the time in a hotel.

Only you know what will feel good for yourself, without hurting others, but somewhere in there is the right balance.

The older I get, the more sure I am of how I want to spend my time and with whom. I don’t have the heart for half-ass relationships or people who don’t value me.

There is immense freedom in letting go of things that no longer serve you.

If this resonates with you, I encourage you to find your truth. Nothing ruins a good night's sleep like living a lie.

Figure out what in your life is holding you back and do whatever you have to do to have peace in your soul. 

Maybe it’s looking for a new job, deciding to live an honest life, get help for an addiction, put yourself first, end a relationship, or make time for self-care.

Maybe it’s all of the above.

It is incredibly freeing when you build a life that feels genuine, authentic and surrounded by loved ones who bring joy, love and tranquility.

I can’t imagine a better way to protect my peace.

 Wishing y’all the strength to find yours…