Moments of Peace in the Midst of Chaos
None of us get through life without challenges. Life is constantly testing our resilience and pushing us to our limits. I’m in the midst of one of those perfect storms of stressors right now. But I’m learning about the power of finding and cherishing small moments of peace in the middle of it all.
When Life Turns Upside Down
Just recently, my usually ordered life suddenly transformed into a whirlwind of activity and unexpected challenges. My small apartment, my sanctuary of solitude, has become a temporary haven for a single mother and her three special needs children. What was meant to be a short stay has stretched to “OMG, how much longer can I hold on” because of several things we could have never predicted. Here are a few items on today’s cascade of challenges:
A stomach bug that turned the bathroom into a quarantine zone – a messy one.
The unique needs of a child with level 2 autism living in this small area.
A pre-teen grappling with hormonal changes and emotional turbulence.
Plumbing issues that would make anyone in their right make that cringe face.
The logistical nightmare of suddenly feeding five people instead of one.
Car troubles and financial strain adding to the overall stress.
Finding Light in the Darkness
In spite of the overwhelming nature of these difficulties, I've come to realize the importance of recognizing and appreciating the small moments of peace and positivity that still exist. Here's how I'm navigating this stressful period:
I’m cherishing my office space and my job: My office (not at home) has become an oasis of calm. The quiet and solitude I once took for granted now feel like precious gifts. I’m grateful to have a place to escape.
I’m practicing mindfulness: Deep breathing exercises and soothing music help center my thoughts and reduce stress levels.
I’m focusing on gratitude: I'm thankful for having a space to offer shelter to those in need, even if it's challenging.
I’m seeking out and embracing small victories: Successfully unclogging a toilet or fixing a drain becomes a moment of triumph.
I’m Setting Boundaries: I’m purposefully giving myself moments of solitude so I can recharge. I have to or my mental health will spin out of control.
Lessons in Resilience
This uncomfortable experience is teaching me valuable lessons about resilience and my ability to adapt:
I’ve got to be flexible: Life rarely goes according to plan. Being able to adjust and adapt is a very important skill.
Kindness matters: Extending help to others, even when it's difficult, can be incredibly rewarding.
Self-care is non-negotiable: Taking care of myself isn’t selfish; it's necessary to be able to help others effectively.
Community support: Reaching out to friends, family, or professionals for support can make a world of difference. Sometimes I just dump it all out, and I’m thankful I have a couple friends that let me do that.
A Message of Hope
To those of you facing their own storms of stress and challenge, remember this: It's okay to acknowledge the difficulty of your situation. It's okay to feel overwhelmed. But also remember that even in the darkest times, there are moments of light – seek them out, cherish them, and let them fuel your resilience.
Your current situation is not your final destination. This too shall pass, and you will emerge stronger, wiser, and more compassionate for having weathered the storm.
"Helen Keller said, "Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it."" (Tracing a 14-Year Journey Through Grief - Vineyard Gazette)
Let's continue to overcome, one small moment of peace at a time.