Choosing Inner Peace

Those of us with addictions and mental health issues often find ourselves consumed by inner turmoil. We are in conflict with the people around us, who often have similar issues they’re dealing with. We find ourselves caught in unhealthy relationships and self-destructive patterns. When we are in these cycles, healing can seem like an impossible ideal that we’ll never reach. Mental and emotional health can feel like abstract concepts rather than tangible goals we can actively work towards. Many of us know we are unwell but when it comes to working on our healing have no idea where to start.

Sometimes the journey starts with a choice. It is a simple choice but not always easy to make. Inner peace. We are so accustomed to being in conflict with ourselves and others that even the thought of inner peace sounds far-fetched. We think we’re in too much pain, we’ve made too many mistakes, we’ve hurt too many people. Inner peace eludes us. It’s not possible for us.

The truth is, though, we can choose inner peace for ourselves. It is not an automatic switch. It requires time, patience with ourselves, and self-love. It requires that we make the choice over and over again, on a daily basis. Any time something comes up that threatens to disturb our equilibrium, any time we feel at odds with another person. Any time we feel fear rising within us, in the form of toxic thought patterns, limiting beliefs and inner conflict. We can return to our choice to be at peace within ourselves.

We have a lot more power over our inner world than we think we do. We come to believe that we are susceptible to any outside force that might destabilize us. We blame other people and situations for how we feel. We use others’ actions as an excuse for our emotional distress.

As we grow and learn more about ourselves, we realize we can have more control over our thoughts, emotions, moods and behaviors. We are in control of ourselves. It doesn’t always feel that way when we are in the midst of an addictive or depressive cycle, but it is possible to practice evoking inner peace.

What does it feel like to be at peace- mentally, emotionally and physically? Can you visualize yourself at peace? Hold onto that feeling and return to it as often as possible. Write, read and repeat affirmations such as “I am at peace.” The more we practice choosing inner peace, the more we can maintain it within ourselves, even when triggered. Soon this new stillness and peace will be your natural default, you will experience more clarity and balance, and you will feel a sense of calm and groundedness. You certainly won’t miss all the drama!

Enlightened Solutions is more than addiction treatment. We help you to uncover your inner strength and find the healing tools that work for you. Call (833) 801-LIVE.