Day 702

“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others.

You need to accept yourself.” 

-Thich Nhat Hanh

A couple of days ago, I stopped for gas at a station just off the freeway, and as I handed my money to the clerk, she asked me what my Walk for Peace t-shirt meant. I shared with her about the Walk, and my deep passion around finding a way to Peace in the world. She shared with me that it feels impossible because she doesn’t feel at Peace within herself. For me, the idea of Peace in the world has to start with finding Peace within. 

As we talked a bit more, my new friend asked me how she can find Peace within herself. Of course, I don’t have the answer, but I shared with her the things I’ve done to accept, love and finally come to Peace in my life.

For me, self acceptance came through examining all facets of myself and acknowledging each one as an integral part of the whole. I chose to change the way I interacted with the parts of myself that felt negative. I began to be willing to see them as carriers of information, allowing myself to release the emotional response and to integrate the information without prejudice. Also, when I received a compliment or a reflection of something positive about myself, I simply received it. I didn’t make excuses or point out things to diminish the gift I was being given. And, I began to reflect to myself the ways in which I had value that aren’t measureable by a check list. I also began keeping a daily list of things I am grateful for, reminding myself to check in when I am uncomfortable and to seek the gratitude in the situation.

But here’s the thing – Peace within did not come overnight for me. And, I continue to ground myself in these practices so that I can maintain the awareness of self I need to feel Peaceful. Most days, it comes without effort. Sometimes, it doesn’t. The point is, I have the option to begin again at any point during my day. I have been fortunate enough to receive the tools I need to have Peace. And, I am forever grateful for the whole person I am.

I think we could have talked for many hours if we had had the chance, but it was clear that my friend needed to get back to her work, and that I needed to get back on the road.

As I got ready to leave, she asked where she could start…

I smiled, shared some of the things I found to be wonderful about her in the short time we’d been talking and suggested she begin her days with a gratitude.

After I walked out, I felt compelled to go back.

I told her that her curiosity and her questions were a start – she’s already shifting her perception of Peace in her life.

She smiled, and I went on my way.