Finding Peace💃🏽
💌 Write: I was living in the moment a lot during my junior yr of college. Most days I’ll come back in too tired to write, other times I just wouldn’t bother. Journalling has been apart of my life since I started walking so I knew something was off. Im very opinionated but kept much to myself. I’m an overthinker but I don’t trip over the inevitable, I prepare for it. I confront my life in between those pages. For me, writing much more than I was previously is a clear sign that I’m doing better mentally.
💌Natural Selection: Allow the universe to take away what’s not good for you. People do not have to *serve* you but they should be adding to your life. Friends add compassion and a sense of belonging. Network where you can but don’t keep around past people because of past baggage you can’t let go of. It’ll only hold you back, keep you in the past (sadly).
Building on my journey of finding peace through journaling and the 'natural selection' of letting go, I've discovered another powerful ally for mental well-being and self-reflection: connecting with nature. While my early 2024 journals (the thick ones!) were filled with confronting thoughts and releasing baggage, I've noticed a profound shift when I combine that introspection with the outdoors. It's truly helped me understand 'how I knew I was following a better path in life.' Just a simple walk in a park, feeling the sun on my skin, or listening to the rustle of leaves, can act as a powerful reset button. It’s different from writing in my journal, yet equally vital for inner peace. When I'm overwhelmed, stepping outside helps clear my head, allowing me to process things I might have just rushed through on paper. It's like nature offers a quiet space for my thoughts to breathe, without judgment or pressure. The stillness and vastness often put my own worries into perspective, making them feel smaller and more manageable. I've started incorporating 'nature reflection' into my routine more consciously. Instead of just writing indoors, sometimes I'll take my journal (or even just my phone for voice notes if I'm feeling lazy) to a quiet spot by a lake, a shady park bench, or even just my backyard. Jotting down observations about the environment – the color of the sky, the sound of birds, the feel of the breeze, the intricate patterns on a leaf – often leads to deeper reflections about my own life. It helps me feel more grounded and less caught up in my own head, which was a huge struggle, especially during late '22-2023, as my older journals clearly show. It’s as if nature acts as a gentle mirror, reflecting back the simplicity and resilience I sometimes forget I possess. This practice has also taught me patience. Just as a tree grows slowly but surely, or a river carves its path over time, my personal growth isn't a race. It’s a continuous process. When I'm out in nature, I feel a sense of belonging to something much larger than myself, which is incredibly comforting. It reinforces the idea that life is cyclical, with periods of rest and growth, just like the changing seasons. This perspective makes it easier to let go of what no longer serves me, trusting in that 'natural selection' process I mentioned earlier. For anyone looking to deepen their inner peace and enhance their reflective practice, I highly recommend trying this. You don't need to hike a mountain or visit a national park; even sitting by a window and observing the clouds or tending to a small houseplant for a few minutes can make a difference. It’s about consciously creating moments to connect with the natural world around you. Combining the internal work of journaling with the external calm and wisdom of nature has truly been a game-changer for my overall mental health and my pursuit of a more peaceful, reflective life. Give it a try – you might be surprised by the clarity and calm it brings!
