Peaceful Family

Creating Peace Within Yourself and Your Family

Life is unpredictable. In our fast paced society there are times in every family when life becomes stressful, emotions escalate and people become overwhelmed. You may be struggling with the day to day demands of raising a family, you may be experiencing work related stress, or you and your family may be in the midst of facing monumental obstacles. As difficult as this, it is also an extraordinary opportunity for you to discover who you truly are and who you can be.

Adversity is the crossroad where each of us can choose to stay in pain or to grow.

One of the gifts of adversity is that you are deeply reminded of the fragility of life. This allows you to clarify your values and align your life with what is most important. Traumatic and stressful events remind you to cherish life, embrace your loved ones, and appreciate what you still have.

The challenges in your life can help you discover your indomitable spirit and fully connect with your higher power. Remember the challenges you have overcome in the past and see the strength of your will and spirit.

Whatever it is that you are experiencing, just have hope that within the challenge lies the seed of triumph waiting to blossom.

When challenges appear in your life, they not only affect you, but every member of your family. The following suggestions will help you and your loved ones rise above stress, adversity and life’s challenges.

Journaling

Writing out your feelings, emotions and prayers are powerful ways to surrender negative feelings and allow the healing to begin. This is a powerful technique for children also. By writing out your challenges and joys, you can often see these situations from a different perspective.

Make a Blessing List

As a family, write down all the positive things that are in your life, things that you are grateful for and things that bring you joy. Many times when you are facing challenges, your perspective is solely on the darkness. When this occurs, it is easy to lose sight of the gifts that surround us in every moment.

These blessings can be as simple as watching a sunset, hearing a child’s laughter or having an hour without pain. Try to write down at least 10 things per day that you are thankful for.

Get Physical

Exercise and taking a walk in nature all relax the mind, body and spirit by releasing endorphins. These endorphins have been scientifically proven to increase energy, enhance well being and balance emotions.

Enlighten Yourself

Instead of watching the news, read a motivational book or listen to a motivational tape. The wisdom of those who have overcome challenges will help uplift you and encourage you to move forward.

Give of Yourself

When you or your children are feeling empty, one of the quickest ways to fill your heart is to help another. Simple acts of kindness like giving a genuine compliment to everyone you meet or donating to a worthy charity can help to bring joy to your heart.

Soak Up the Sun

Together with your children, spend time in nature, soak up the sunshine, walk in a garden, or sit by the ocean. Being outdoors has been shown to enhance moods and reduce stress levels.

Give and get as many hugs as possible

Spend time with supportive people who love and will help motivate you. Find a healing circle or support groups in your area by checking local or health food stores, house of worship or community centers.

Go Within

Meditation is a powerful tool that both children and adults can use to quiet the mind and the body. It also allows you to connect with your higher power or the spiritual aspect of yourself. The goal of meditation is to help you shift your perspective, viewing the circumstances of your life in a detached, focused manner. This will empower you to cope with whatever challenge you are facing, by becoming fully aware that these obstacles are only circumstances in your life and are not your life in totality. Our stress reduction CD series a Moment of Peace can help you and your children relax, de-stress, and rejuvenate.

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Get Help If You Need It

Seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If after implementing these strategies, you or your children are still experiencing difficulty coping, please contact a licensed cognitive behavioral psychologist, hypnotherapist, pastoral counselor or life coach.

By practicing these techniques, you can begin to integrate your mind, body and spirit. This integration will empower you to cope with the many challenges you face on a daily basis. Regardless of what challenges you are facing, you have the power to rise above them.

Excerpt from Creating a Peaceful, Loving Family

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Debbie Milam is the founder of the 501C3 charitable organization; The Best You Can Be Foundation, a syndicated columnist for United Press International, an occupational therapist, family success consultant, and motivational speaker with more than 20 years experience helping people maximize their potential. Her work on stress management, spirituality, parenting, and special-needs children has been featured in over 300 media outlets including First for Women, the Miami Herald, Elle, Ladies Home Journal, The Hallmark Channel, PBS and WebMD.