Fighting for Peace vs Making Room for It
Hey there, angels! Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s been on my mind lately – peace. Now, we’ve all seen those memes and social posts encouraging us to “protect our peace at all costs.” And don’t get me wrong, I totally get the sentiment behind it. After all, in a world that feels like we are constantly in battle or on the defense, we can begin to feel a desperate need to fight for peace.
Can we maintain the power behind our badassery and also allow ourselves to feel safe and at ease?
Let’s take a moment to unpack this question and explore the idea of making room for peace. Yep, you heard me right. Instead of fiercely guarding our peace like a fortress, what if we learned to create a space for it to flourish?
Now, this might sound like a radical idea, especially given the trending audios of women indulging in self care routines, while exploring exotic locations, but bear with me. As strong, resilient women of color, we often find ourselves carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. We’re expected to be fierce protectors of our sanity and happiness. And while that’s empowering in its own way, it can also be exhausting.
Allowing peace to exist alongside our challenges doesn’t mean we’re weak or complacent. It means acknowledging that peace doesn’t have to be an either-or scenario. It’s not about disregarding our feelings or settling for less; it’s about finding balance and understanding that peace can coexist with challenge.
When we create room for peace, we give ourselves permission to feel without judgment. We let go of the pressure to always “protect” our emotions, and instead, we let them flow naturally. It’s okay to have moments of vulnerability and doubt; they’re part of being human. the key is to find, create, and move through the spaces that allow for that.
The truth is that in order to create and maintain peace we have to consider what is in the way.
Subtracting to ADD
To make room for peace and allow it to flow, we can eliminate:
- Toxic Relationships: Letting go of toxic relationships can be challenging, especially if they involve family, long-term friends, or co-workers. It gets even trickier when we’re dealing with a toxic relationship with ourselves, harboring shame or guilt. Breaking free from these negative judgments may feel awkward initially, but it’s a gift we owe ourselves. Making space for positive, uplifting people who support our well-being is liberating. Embrace the journey of self-love and allow yourself to live in a mental, physical, and spiritual place that brings out the best in you.
- Excessive Clutter: This is hard for those of us who’ve practiced retail therapy as a form of self soothing. But trust, decluttering our space can promote a clearer mind and make room for tranquility.
- Overcommitment: There are so many reasons we condition ourselves to say yes to more than we should and none of them are worth sacrificing our wellbeing. Learn to say no to activities or responsibilities that overwhelm you. And stop buying sh!t you don’t need. Prioritizing self-care means you get to focus on what truly brings you joy and inner peace.
In the early stages of establishing something, there is usually a time of extra care. I get it. Like a sapling tree or an egg in incubation, some changes will require a state of protection, But as we make peace a lifestyle choice, moving into a state of allowing seems more sustainable. So, here’s a challenge for all of us: let’s embrace the idea of making room for peace. Let’s practice self-compassion and accept that we don’t always have to be warriors. Sometimes, being gentle with ourselves and recognizing our limits is the most empowering thing we can do.
Of course, it’s essential to set healthy boundaries and say no when needed, but it’s equally important to open ourselves up to the idea that we can’t control every aspect of our lives. By doing so, we release the tension of constantly being on guard and allow peace to seep into our hearts.
As we navigate the waters of life, let’s remember that it’s okay to have an unpopular opinion. The world needs diversity in thoughts and perspectives, and as sisters with a unique audience, we have the power to inspire change.
So, my beautiful souls, let’s make room for peace in our lives. Let’s allow ourselves to be vulnerable and embrace the idea that we’re all a work in progress. Together, we’ll create a supportive community where we lift each other up, learn from one another, and grow in ways we never thought possible.
Remember, it’s not always about protecting peace; it’s about nurturing it within ourselves and our community. Let’s start this journey together, hand in hand, and see where it leads us. I’ve got your back, and I know you’ve got mine too. We are unstoppable when we stand united.
