Last week, the Diva Challenge asked us to create using the theme of peace. As I was on vacation, I had a different kind of time to work with this challenge. With all of the events of the past weeks I have been grappling with what peace really means–and how it can manifest in my life when I am but one person who can so easily become overwhelmed with fear when so many terrible things are happening to people all around our world and our own country is so seemingly steeped in divisiveness.

And then, I remember…

There is a definition of peace hanging on my refrigerator that is attributed to someone unknown that says:

peace. it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.

I can not respond effectively to the world around me when I am coming from a place of fear or hopelessness. If I am to be part of the movement toward a more peaceful place, then, I first need to find it within.

Last week, I was blessed to spend time in what is, for me, one of the most peace filled places I know–the shores of Lake Superior. While there, I filled the spaces in my soul with peace aplenty.

I am mindful this week of looking for that calm place within when there are challenges–traffic, an errant mouse, a broken television–all such small troubles when considering the world at large. And, all places to practice accessing my own peace. For it is only in the practice that automaticity comes. Hopefully, by committing more fully to peace within my self, I can contribute to the reserves of peace around me and within me.