How to find PEACE and practice STILLNESS in your life

Are you someone who:

* Is struggling with stress and anxiety?

* Do you have a rough past?

* Do you experience emotional triggers?

* Have you had rocky relationships?

* Trying to get in touch with your authentic self?

* Find yourself scrambling to put your life's puzzle pieces together?

* Is it difficult to make sense of your current reality?

I am here to let you know that IT IS OKAY if you fit into one, more or all of those categories.

Here are some things that I've learned and still continue to learn that have genuinely helped me find peace and practice stillness in my life:

1. LET GO OF THE NEED TO CONTROL.

As human beings it is only natural for us to want to be in control for everything in our lives. From the relationships we have with others, to the successes of our careers, life circumstances, outcomes and more, we like to believe that we hold the answers to it all. In life it is heavily influenced that we need to always have a plan. Although this is a good thing, the reality is that sometimes we don't always need one and it is okay to just live as you go and take life as it comes.

2. EASE OFF YOUR EGO.

I completely understand that this is extremely hard to do. Especially if you are the victim to someone who wronged you or a victim to the unfairness from the universe itself. Let go of the need to feel recognized. Release your impatience of your wants and needs. Do not rush your growth process. Stop seeking for external validation. Open up your mind and your heart to outside perspectives of wisdom. Recognize that everyone has their struggles. Accept that the world does not revolve around you and keep in mind that there is always someone out there who is in more genuine need than you.

3. CUT OFF ANY FORM OF NEGATIVITY COMPLETELY.

Negative energy drains the soul. It suffocates you, prevents you from growing and holds you back from reaching your fullest potential. The first step to cutting it off is to recognize where that negative energy is coming from. It could be from an environment, a person, multiple people, or even yourself. Once you figure out the source, determine whether to make peace or simply move on. You know your own situations best so just figure out what is best for you. Choose to distant or say goodbye to anyone or anything that gives you unhealthy, unfulfilling or toxic feelings. Make good vibrations and good energies a priority.

4. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS AND PRACTICE GRATITUDE.

A lot of the time when we are going through a difficult situation or feeling down we tend to gravitate towards the glass that is half empty. We get so caught up focusing on what we don't have and what is wrong in our lives, that we loose sight of what we do have and the things that are actually going good for us. Practicing gratitude uplifts your mood because it exercises your mind to be put in a positive state. It raises your vibrations and you begin to build a better relationship with yourself, the people around you and overall, life.

5. BUILD AND SECURE YOUR BOUNDARIES.

Setting boundaries is a pure act of self respect. Boundaries are essential to establish especially if you are working towards self rediscovery. It is important to remember that setting boundaries does not make you selfish or mean that you are a closed off person. You need to take responsibility for the kind of energy that you are allowing into your life. Once you set a boundary do not back down from it; but make it reasonable. How many times have you told yourself that you were not going to relive a bad habit or a bad situation but ended up going against your own word? How many times have you let things slide when really, you were truly bothered? Clearly communicate what is a NO for you, do not give too much of yourself, be considerate of your time and create a safe space for you to be more of yourself. Take control.

6. FIND JOY IN THE LITTLE THINGS.

Happiness is a feeling that one will never stop chasing because no matter what we do, in the end we are never truly satisfied. We like to make finding happiness difficult and we miss out on what's really important because we don't pay enough attention. In order to find this simplistic joy you must practice mindfulness which allows you to become more present. Don't overcomplicate, just live. Something so simple such as surrounding yourself with nature, having an open and honest conversation with a loved one, drinking your favorite cup of tea or dancing to your favorite song can mean everything! Only in time will you realize how much the simple things add up. They are the most meaningful. Take time to slow down and fully acknowledge.

7. EMBRACE CHANGE.

A lot of the time we put most of our effort into the idea of change instead of actually taking the necessary steps; The Action. What holds us back is our "default mode" which can be referred to as the comfort zone. Your comforts can become dangerous if they hold you back from gaining experiences and bettering yourself as an individual. When you call out your story keep in mind, that's only half the battle. Complete the other half by rewriting it. Give your trials and tribulations meaning and create a purpose for yourself. Don't be afraid of what is new. Embrace the unknown. Accept the reality that you must grow. Don't rely on your own timeline. Get out of your own way. If you are not experiencing change then you are not truly living.

8. BECOME THE COMPANY THAT YOU WANT.

One of the most valuable words of wisdom that I have learned and came to realize is that "Your presence is your Power." When we go through tough times or struggle to discover who we are at our core, we tend to rely a lot on others and the outside world for survival in order to distract ourselves from the true work that needs to be done from within. This results in only bringing temporary comfort which at the end of the day makes it difficult when you are alone. Invest a little bit in yourself each day. Do something that you love, feed your brain, do something that makes you feel empowered, build up your independency! You cannot become what you want until you are what you want. Every step you take towards bettering yourself counts. Every bit of it! You are perfectly imperfect. Just keep showing up!