"From the unexpected technical problems to the people who cut me off on the road, no person or thing gets to interfere with my decision to feel calm."

- Ashley Patterson 

Would you believe me if I told you that the peace you seek is constant and that you can embrace it at any time, anywhere, and with any career path?

Serenity offers a way to help cope with life for better or worse. 

In this article, you will learn:

• How to define what peace/serenity looks like for you

• How to identify what holds you back from experiencing serenity

• How to maintain your serenity in uncertain times

Let’s get started.

Point #1 - I am so overwhelmed! How can a possibly experience serenity?

Life can be a real challenge. At times, it could feel crippling. With the weight of the world on your shoulders, it’s no wonder you suffer. I get it!

Let’s step outside of your current circumstances for a moment. If you could have the power to create your ideal day, what would that look like? Better yet, what would it feel like? What time would you wake up in the morning? What is your favorite breakfast that would be hot and ready for you to indulge? What would you spend your day doing? Where would you go?

I like to decide for myself how to experience serenity. This means that regardless of what the day looks like, I choose to feel calm. From the unexpected technical problems to the people who cut me off on the road, no person or thing gets to interfere with my decision to feel calm. Otherwise, some changes will be made, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. 

You may not have the money or time to create your dream life overnight. Still, you can cheat the system and experience the feelings of a perfect day right now, even in the midst of chaos. The beauty of this is you don’t have to compromise how you want to feel. Everything else can shift to fit your mindset. 

Point #2 – Why is every day a struggle?

Your ability to change your narrative heavily relies on the quality of questions that you ask.

Your serenity is inside you. It’s the breath of life that we so often take for granted. When we ask for serenity, we are asking for a reminder of the tranquility buried deep inside us, hiding beneath all the noise and chaos.

When we quiet the noise and chaos, we create the space for serenity to protect us from the things we cannot change. Suddenly, we no longer suffer from our circumstances and have the strength and courage to do something about it.

There are many reasons why some may resist this idea. The most vivid one is that many people generally fear failure. What if the prayer for serenity does not work for me?

Maybe it will or won’t – change allows us to find out if it will.

Point #3 - How do I maintain serenity if I never know what’s coming my way?

Adaptability is fundamental to survival and success in the face of change. This principle is reflected in:

• Evolution in nature

• Leaders pivoting their business models

• Individuals acquiring new skills to remain relevant

Adaptation is not just about responding to change but about evolving with it. How can serenity be at the forefront of our temperament? When it gets cold, you put on a jacket. When your business is not meeting your standard of success, you strategize. But when you are unhappy with how things are going, your business is taking over your life, and the people around you get on your last nerve, how do you maintain your serenity?

Focus.

Make serenity your primary focus even when things can’t get any worse, and you feel like throwing in the towel. Let serenity guide you to crystal clear thoughts even in uncertain times.

Let’s be clear, I am not saying to suppress your emotions. I am suggesting the opposite.

Example:

I hate my job, and my boss is clueless! 

This may be true but…

I am at peace because I have the options and power to create the life I desire, even if it means finding another job and a better boss.

Example:

This person is toxic to be around. 

This may be true but… 

I know misery loves company, and I don’t have to partake.

Example:

This “Karen” is out of line and disrespectful! 

This may be true but…

Thank goodness I have a beautiful smile and the ability to laugh at ridiculousness.  

Conclusion To Ignite Serenity:

• Define what peace/serenity looks like for you

• Identify what holds you back from experiencing serenity

• Maintain your serenity in uncertain times by focusing on how you want to feel rather than how a current circumstance makes you feel