My Peace

Simple Prompt: What do you find peaceful?

Why does this feel like such a loaded question? That’s right I’m a mom and wife with depression and anxiety.

Short answer. Books, puzzles, walk in parks, and sit on the beach.

Books are an easy answer. I can escape myself and go into someone else’s world for a while. Lately I haven’t been able to sit and read for any length of time. So, I have been listening to audio books. This frees me up to do all the things I need to do and the things I want to do. Though sitting with a physical book is still my ideal choice.

About a year ago I sat down and started to work on puzzles again. Being able to piece together a picture helps me calm down. When my life feels like it is in shambles I feel like I can put it back together with a puzzle. I get a high each time I find where a piece belongs.

When the weather is nice, I enjoy going for a walk. I live near a nice big park with lots of walking, biking and horse trails. It’s easy to get lost there. And the scenery is beautiful all year long.  I breathe deep and try to clear my mind. If only I was in better shape to walk for miles on end.

Finally, I also like to sit by the water. Any beach will do. Whether it is a lake or the ocean does not bother me.  But I find I can close my eyes and listen to the sound of the waves and just feel at home. This is the best time for a restful nap, or to try to work out a problem that has been plaguing me.

What hinders me most of the time? Finding the time to do those things I love always gets in the way of finding peace. Even when I do the long list of items to do is constantly running in my mind. I make it a priority thought to try. If I don’t try, then I won’t be able to achieve that serene feeling.