By Marc S. Axelrod

Peace of mind. 

Do you have it?

Have you ever had it?

Maybe you don’t and maybe you didn’t. 

Any idea how to get it?

That’s a tough one. 

Could be you’re just one of those people who never thought about it.  Too busy – and too stressed – to give it any thought. 

Well, that’s too bad. 

What we need here is a primer to help you along.  Let’s start with what it is. 

No idea? 

Well, here goes. 

Think about what it would take for you to just be.  Calmly and quietly in touch with who you are and absolutely okay with yourself, what you have done and what you are doing. 

Uh, oh.  Lost some of you already.

Too hard. 

What about all those mistakes you have made?  Doesn’t that mean you can’t get there? 

No. 

That’s the beauty of it.  Mistakes are part of the package.  Make them (like we all do).  Understand them.  And use them to show yourself you tried your best then and are okay with it now. 

How cool is that?  You get to screw up and still like yourself. 

But to navigate through life is hard.  And to find peace of mind on the way is harder still. 

We’ve all lived the lives we designed for ourselves.  Yes, many factors beyond our control influenced our lives, but your life is the product of how you weathered the storms and steered the course you are on. 

How did you do?

Rich or poor doesn’t matter.  A poor person can be at peace with themselves while a rich one can be miserable.  It’s what’s inside that counts. 

What does peace of mind really look or feel like?  It is different for each of us.  Just as the obstacles getting there are specific to who you are. 

And when something gets in your way, sorry, can’t help, it is up to you to figure out a way around it. 

Personal satisfaction.  Love. Positive impact on others.  Respect from others. 

Those are some of the things that contribute to how you feel about yourself and the life you have lead, lead now and will continue on until everyone says all those nice things about you when you are gone. 

Will they be right?

Only you know.  And if you agree with them, then maybe, just maybe you’re on your way to peace of mind. 

Have we just forged a clearer path to get there? 

Could be.  For some of us. 

Hope to meet you there.  I’ll keep the light on.

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