Serenity is defined as “the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.” I feel that this year, that’s the very thing I want for myself. I have always been a peace-loving person but recently I have realized that in life, you can never have a serene life at all times. There will always be challenges, trials, and ordeals that can take away your happiness or the good state you’re in. Life is full of surprises, after all.
I, for instance, wasn’t spared from life’s many surprises. Something unimaginable happened to our family early this month and until now, I still couldn’t accept how I’m now obligated to face this new reality. This is not my doing, mind you, but somehow, I got affected and couldn’t do anything about it. I had no choice but to live with it. Weird, right? Things might change in the future, but for now, this is it.
The pandemic is still here so I just want to try to live as safely and peacefully as possible. I was trying to set my 2022 goals the other day but for some reason, I wasn’t that motivated. It could be the uncertainty of it all. Or maybe I was just being lazy. I dunno, I feel that at this point, just being alive is already a huge gift in itself. I have a job, I get to pay my bills on time, and my family is okay health-wise. My marriage is doing fine. Our baby NJ is thriving. What more can I ask for?
Personally, I believe serenity is achievable. Like happiness, it is a choice. Just like how I can choose to be happy, I can also choose to live a serene life. It’s mind over matter and I believe we can learn it through practice by constantly trying to embrace serenity.
There are actually many ways. It could be meditation for some, or simply thinking of positive thoughts for others. It could be exercise or gardening or cooking. It could be a new hobby or a new vocation. For me, as long as I’m choosing to be calm, peaceful, and untroubled by doing things that make me feel these positive feelings, then I’m good to go.
life, lately
I have always been the type of person who abhors a complicated life. I have always been the type of person who loves simplicity. These days, I just want to live as simply as I could. It’s easy, uncomplicated, and quite economical, too! It doesn’t cost a lot so I’ll surely save money. Our finances have taken a backseat ever since the pandemic started and so I’d like to be able to really save money this year without exerting too much effort, if you know what I mean.
I know a serene life is something that I should work on every day. I’d also like to think it’s a constant practice of mindfulness, gratitude, and to some extent, faith. God is still the one in control of our lives. He never promised us a perfect life, but it was clear when He said He will always be there to bless, guide, and watch over us. I just have to trust more in Him and to not let worries and fears eat me alive.
Serenity in the midst of chaos is my top goal here. Last year, I had a hard time maintaining a composure in difficult situations. I easily got stressed (at work) and was always worried sick (but mostly because of COVID-19). I don’t want that this 2022. I want to breathe more and live more. I want to be able to focus and stay in control when everything is unclear or uncertain. I want to not let things get in the way of my pursuit of serenity. I can do this! 🙂
Do you also have a personal theme or one word this year? What is it and why?
P.S. For my easy reference and in case you’re curious, I left these links of my personal themes in the past years:
Simplicity (2021)Life (2020)
Strength (2019)
Mindfulness (2018)
Gratitude (2017)
Health and Wealth (2016)
May you choose happiness always,
“I was trying to set my 2022 goals the other day but for some reason, I wasn’t that motivated. It could be the uncertainty of it all. Or maybe I was just being lazy.”
I can totally relate to this, Edel. I was talking to a couple of friends who also feel the same. I was thinking it was because of our age (haha). But my husband said it could be because of the extended lockdowns. I’ve been reading blogs and listening to podcasts about the state of LANGUISHING. I think it’s what we’re feeling – feeling bleh, just in survival mode all the time. But the good news is, we can do something about it.
I hope you achieve serenity this 2022! 🙂
Waaaaah, IKR?! Aba at napa-google tuloy ako bigla ng meaning ng languishing. Yun pala yung tawag dun. Hahaha. Salamat sayo may bago ako natutunan. True, laban lang tayo Je, kayang-kaya to! 😉
Ms. Edel!! Ngayon lang uli ako nakapagbasa ng blog nyu and other blogs as well na pinafollow ko (dahil na din sa madaming nangyari in the past that I felt lost and not motivated.) I feel you as in. Yung theme ko ngayon and what I am trying to gradually embrace and live on is that: LIFE IS FLUID. It is what it is ika nga nila. Whatever happen, happens:)