12.6.11

Peace is...

• Refraining from honking the horn at the driver who committed a dumb offense. When I stopped to think about it, maybe he just lost his job or something else really terrible that has made him preoccupied and oblivious. Instead I sent him a good thought as I passed his 40-mph-in-the-fast-lane-butt-on-the-highway.
• Knowing the battles you shouldn't fight: with students, with friends and family, with toddlers. 
• Laughing at yourself, laughing with your students, laughing just because. And I'm talking about those good chuckles from the belly that sometimes bring tears to your eyes.
• Sharing: secrets, fears, sandwiches, life, jokes, love.
• Checking something off the holiday to-do list. My Secret Santa is getting some cool gifts next week!
• Cuddling. Pick who you want to do it with and soak up the warm love.
• Accepting: offers, hugs, help, gifts, kindness, others. 
• Intentionally taking a deep breath, a healthy sigh, and feeling that release. In that one breath you are able to clear out your mind, clear out the gunk, lift the weight, and find--even if it's just for that one moment--peace.