Posted Jan. 1, 2025 (Updated Nov. 1, 2026)
A year is often a mixed bag—some highs and some lows. This year, as soon as I got good news, a challenge followed, leaving me feeling like I was riding life’s roller coaster.
But some new daily practices helped me navigate the ups and downs without getting completely swept away. Here are five peaceful practices that grew out of this year’s struggle and helped move me forward.
1) Saying, “I will not let this affect me.”
I started noticing how the little stressors of everyday life were piling up, affecting my mood, and spilling out to those around me. I couldn’t believe how seemingly insignificant occurrences were getting to me.
I asked my husband how he got through so many challenging circumstances in his life so well, and he said, “I always said to myself, ‘I will not let this affect me. I will not let this enter into my life,’ and then I said a prayer. And it worked for me.”
So, I tried. Whether it was something big or small, I said the mantra. And you know what? It works most of the time. Of course, this doesn’t mean we should never let things affect us. We’re human, of course, and our feelings are valid; they can even point us in the right direction. But this mantra helps me refocus and keep things in perspective.
2) Saying, “Let them.”
Mel Robbins created The Let Them Theory, and unpacks what it means and how it can change your life in her book of the same title. Her podcast describes the theory like this: “When you ‘Let Them’ do whatever it is that they want to do, it creates more control and emotional peace for you and a better relationship with the people in your life.”
I started trying this in my own life. If someone chooses to focus on the negative and rarely sees the positive? “Let them.” If a loved one makes choices I don’t agree with? “Let them.” This new mantra allows me to make the right choices for myself, redirect my energy, and focus on what I can control while still supporting others within healthy boundaries.
3) Writing The Letters to Peace series
Every Sunday on social media, I share a one- to two-line meditation on peace paired with a 60-second or less nature video in my “Letters to Peace” series.
Regularly focusing on peace has helped me become more aware of what gets in the way of my peace and what helps it grow. A few things that get in the way of my peace are clutter, too much time on social media, and being overcommitted. A few things that help protect my peace are nature, prayer and meditation, walking, and creative time.
Understanding what gives and takes away my peace helps me make better decisions about how I spend my time and energy and allows me to show up for myself and those around me.
4) Leaning into creativity and collaborating with others
For the first time, I collaborated with a talented singer and pianist to bring some songs I’ve written to life. Initially, some songs were just words on paper, while others had partial melodies. During our sessions, we explored the meaning behind the songs and variations in melody and notes. Our combined creative energy and strengths created songs I would have never been able to make on my own. I hope to share some music with you soon!
Additionally, meeting with a writing critique group regularly offered accountability, camaraderie, and stronger stories. Writing, or any creative art, may seem like a solo sport, but you can grow faster and go farther alongside others.
5) Expanding my morning routine
My morning routine includes a healthy breakfast and journaling, which often encompasses gratitude, affirmations, scripture, planning, and reflection. But I’ve added three new elements: drinking a full glass of water when I wake up, going outside to reset my body clock, and creative writing. This combined effort has helped make someone like me who is “not a morning person” feel more alive and prepared for the day. I love leaning into this routine!
What helps you feel more at peace?
What interferes with your peace?
What’s one practice you could try to protect your peace?