How to be at Peace with The Things You Can’t Control

Ever been frustrated because you can’t get something to work, angry because you can’t make a loved one do what you want, or sat in traffic yelling because the cars ahead seem to be taking their time? If you have been in any one of these situations, then you need to read this article. It just might change the way you look at things.

First, define what peace means to you. Is it a quiet atmosphere, away from the family, co-workers, noisy traffic, or lying down on a bed watching television? Now based on your definition of peace make a determination on how you will approach future situations. If you historically yell, cuss and are critical with anyone in your path, you will have to make up in your mind to avoid this kind of behavior no matter how tempted you feel. Sometimes there is an underlying health condition that makes people feel moody.  Are you eating right?  Following doctor’s orders?  Taking a new medication or reacting negatively to an old one?

Next, practice experiencing peace. If peace means being quiet, calm, and being in control of your own emotions then start finding the time to do that everyday. No television, radio, Internet, telephone, or any other distraction. Read a book, meditate, or even go to bed earlier if this helps with your experiencing peace. Serenity can be found when you look at the things you can control and focus on them, rather the things you can’t.

Third, consider those things that are in your control and start working on them such as removing the things you can live without out of your life. Maybe it’s a big problem like a bad dog you no longer want to care for or something small that needs to be repaired in a room. Whatever the clutter, problem, or headache is, if it can be moved, changed, rearranged or sold (this doesn’t include children), do it. As for your lovely children, you can make arrangements to have a relative or friend watch them sometimes or have them pick out a toy that will give them and you some peace for hours.

Now that you have taken over the things you can control, there are those things you can’t control. When those issues come around like a crying baby, a screaming neighbor, or a wayward spouse, you will need to look to this fourth point, consider praying to a Higher Power (if you are one of the blessed ones to have a faith.) Take great care to look inward and upward when you are feeling tempted to tell the neighbor off, divorce from the spouse, or hurt the crying baby. By having a faith, you will notice that burdens are uplifted. You will be at peace with the fact that some things in this world can’t be controlled by a human hand and with divine intervention you will sleep at night.

Fifth, create an atmosphere that attracts peace. Even though there are some things you can’t control, you can find small ways to feel comfortable in your circumstance. From money to a place to sleep, if it means you have to make a phone call, relocate, move in with someone, use food stamps, or turn your back on a situation and start walking, do whatever you can to help yourself get to the next level.

Lastly, be grateful for the things you can control and whenever there is an opportunity to assist someone or fix your situation do it! When you aren’t complaining, but acting on your circumstance you will find more peace.