It seems most appropriate that I would be sitting down to blog this on Christmas night. With a candle, my moms favorite drink and the magic of the holiday season and peace on earth.
If it seems like you haven’t heard from me in a while, it’s because you haven’t. I had to get through these holidays. Again. Only this time, with the reality of what my life has become. Last year I was VERY pregnant and wondering how on earth I was going to give birth to my 4th baby on the same floor I lost my mom on. I hadn’t been to that hospital, let alone THAT floor since the day I saw her pass. How could I feel any sense of peace? I couldn’t. Last year was by far the hardest year. The year before happened so quick that I was just in shock. Watching both my parents leave this earth in two very different circumstances 4 months apart left me having experienced what I can only hope and pray are the worst experiences of my life. It left me at a heightened sense of inner turmoil. Anyone who has been there can certainly relate. And anyone who hasn’t, read on and make sure you take note. Because the bottom line, is that IT IS LIFE. And everyone, at some point, will have their inner peace completely shaken. More than likely it will happen again. Maybe even again. But….
As you already know, this year has been a year of new beginnings for me. And it started with the birth of my baby boy, Brady on January 2. This year was a year of healing, acceptance, growth, renewal, and I believe I can say this now…. INNER PEACE.
Maybe I have found it. MY Inner peace. It wasn’t without God – my faith in God- or the countless numbers of friends and family who have supported me throughout my journey.
Inner peace is a strength everyone needs to make sure is in “check” at all times throughout their life. If it isn’t one of your strengths, you need to make it one of your strengths. Now. Today. This year. Maybe it can be your goal for 2016.
How? For starters- I believe that inner peace must start with happiness in oneself from within. You cannot rely on anyone- not ANYONE but YOURSELF- to make you happy. If you aren’t happy, you have to find out what makes you happy. Don’t wait for it to come to you, go out there and get it. All the happiness you can find. Get it.
That sounds too rosy cheeky easy because the truth is that many people- too MANY people are in pain. They are hurt. Broken. Run down. Speaking from experience- don’t let that take you down. Every DAY EVERYONE has a choice. It doesn’t take much to go out there into the real world and realize real quick the blessings you DO have in your life. YOU HAVE A CHOICE.
But the secret, is acknowledging that what ails you is REAL. You cannot fight it. You cannot sweep it under the carpet. You cannot push it away. In fact, if you try do to that, if you ignore it, it will only come back more fierce and knock you down even harder.
Acknowledge that pain. That panic. Any uncertainty. Any question. Any loss of hope. And put it in a place where you can attend to it and nurture it. Then, count your blessings. Remind yourself and thank the Lord above for what you DO have.
Most importantly. Soothe your soul. Soothe. Funny how the terminology that has moved me through this year comes from only my absolutely FAVORITE premium skincare products. 
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Seek to soothe your soul, strike balance and create inner peace-
It’s up to you to pursue it and give it everything you’ve got because tomorrow isn’t a guarantee —–but today is a GIFT.
Come to peace. Meditate. Pray. Smile. Spend time with people who make you feel loved. Who make you laugh. Who support you and help you grow.
Peace. Inner peace. You owe it to yourself and EVERYONE around you- to find that peace so that your inner beauty and the best version of YOURSELF shines through daily.
PEACE.
~Amy
You can follow me @myjourneyamy