As seen in the Dayton Daily News on October 8, 2016.
When I woke this morning, I turned to see my daughter sleeping next to me. She was snuggled in her soft blanket, and looked more like a toddler than the teenager she is. On my other side, our dog was curled up on her pillow.
As I lay in bed for a minute, happy and peaceful feelings washed over me.
We are camping, which is something I love to do. Our day will be filled with cooking great food, nature hikes, bike riding and enjoying a campfire.
Today I will take time to appreciate simple pleasures: The smiling faces of our fellow campers. The sounds of nature. My dog’s curiosity concerning everything. My daughter’s laugh as we play cards.
In a world where we are over-scheduled, rushed and stressed, having this down time with my family brings me peace of mind.
When was the last time you felt peace of mind?
If I allowed it, my life could be hectic and chaotic. After all, I have a husband, five kids, a dog, a successful business, plus I work at staying fit and eating healthy.
One of my secrets to finding inner peace is letting go of things that no longer serve a purpose for me. This can be difficult to do, but reminding myself of what I’ll gain by letting go makes it easier.
I have gotten rid of most of the memorabilia from my childhood. Things like trophies, horse show ribbons, Girl Scout badges, school projects, albums and even my yearbooks.
Items from my adult life also get the ‘heave ho’ when I find I’m not using them. Most of my cookbooks, clipped magazine articles, many of my deceased parents’ belongings, my children’s baby crib and most recently a saddle that meant the world to me.
In truth, I remember my 4H days without seeing my saddle. I can tell stories about my parents without a house full of their stuff. I can recall good times at Girl Scout camp without keeping my mess kit. I fondly remember rocking my babies and reading stories to them from the rocking chair I once owned.
Although it was hard giving these things up, I have never regretted letting them go because I’m too busy living in the present and enjoying the simple things life has to offer.
Keeping all that stuff would have taken up time that I prefer to spend at the campground and doing other things I enjoy.
Many of you spend your time dealing with items from your past. You box them up, label what’s inside, rearrange them on occasion when cleaning house and dig through them looking for something you do need.
Take time to sit in stillness and think about what would make you happy. What simple pleasures will bring about peace of mind for you?
Now walk through your home. Let go of any memorabilia and trinkets that are blocking the way to your peace of mind.
I noticed on one of our walks in the campground, an RV had the words ‘Be Kind’ imprinted across the front of it. Mine would say, ‘Let Go and Be Happy.’