Everyone wants peace -- well, almost everyone. Beauty pageant queens hope for it; most world leaders work towards it. Me? I live it, and it's a conscious effort to do so.
There came a point in my life when I realized, "I am in control of nothing -- save my behavior and reactions to others' actions." Being a recovering control freak perfectionist, this "epiphany" was long-fought, yet ardently sought, knowledge.
I learned (am continuing to learn) the following:
LIFE WILL HAPPEN
Life moves forward, whether or not we wish for it to do so. Perfect moments we desire to freeze; wretched times we want to fast-forward through any despair. All occur in a random series of events without our often seeing their thread of connection. I learned this lesson the hard way -- and repeatedly. No matter how much control I tried to exert over people or situations, que sera, sera. "Whatever will be, will be ..." and was. It took me losing my home, giving up custody of my son and finally -- at the age of 44 -- taking care of no one but myself, for me to realize that life didn't look upon me with any sort of favor. Life just "is." It was exactly what I needed to discover in order to exist. I had to learn to simply "be." It is a life-long lesson on which I pluck away every single day.
I AM A SERVANT OF PEACE
Life happens, but I'm in charge of the path I choose along the way. "All that we are is the result of what we have thought," says Buddha. I believe this, and I know that my thoughts become my actions in the truest sense. The moment I realized it takes longer to think about doing something than actually doing it, I made the conscious decision to act with peaceful purpose in my services to others.
So every day I strive to live an existence of intentional goodwill -- accepting, respecting, and loving everyone (no exceptions). I seek to bring tangible hope to all I encounter. And I know, in my bones, that peace is attainable. I know because it begins with me; and I am a servant of peace.
HEARD SOMEBODY SAY -- Devendra Banhart
THE PEACE SONG -- Nigerian All Star Ensemble
WORLD PEACE PRAYER -- Lakha Lama
Welcome to my blog. I look forward to having you join me in this wonderful and wonder-filled adventure. And I believe that with your help and guidance we will bring peace into the world. Let's continue -- together.
~*~Peace & Blessings~*~
Shawn Catherine
