15 Jul How To Find Peace in a Chaotic World

Okay, let’s be real here (like usual), the world has lost its damn mind. Politicians acting like toddlers, inequality to the max, and our planet is pissed off for what we’ve been doing to her. I don’t blame her, we treated her like a cheap date that was fourth choice to take to the prom. But in all this chaos, there’s still a way to be at peace with yourself and look forward to tomorrow.

Acceptance is Peace

So how do you find peace in a chaotic, crazy world? Acceptance my friend. Acceptance that it is out of your control. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s the only medicine for existential dread. The challenges and struggles the world faces are of our own making, and unfortunately, we’ve pushed the limits far past the point of no return. It’s a reality, it’s the new reality, and just as anything else in the world, we have to live with the consequences of our actions. It’s natures way. But this doesn’t mean freak out and give up as that is productive to no one. It means it’s time to practice acceptance and find a way to move forward.

People Are Pissed

I’m a bit of a research junkie, and by a bit I mean like 4-6hrs a day. I love learning, expanding my knowledge, and keeping tabs on the collective psychology of people in the world. And what I see day in and day out are people who are scared, angry, and lost. People worried about the future. People angry at our government and leadership for not doing enough. People don’t know what to do with themselves in this ever worsening situation. I see people who are looking for hope or a way out of the chaos into a life they can look forward to.

What You’re Missing is Purpose

The thing they all have in common is that they are looking outside of themselves for the answer. I’ll give you a hint, you’re not going to find it there. The only answers you will find outside of you are answers for other people. Answers that fit who you are and supply what you need have to come within. Sounds like a cliche I know, and yet it’s the truth. You have to search yourself and your values and find what gives your life meaning in this world. You need to take the time to discover and clearly define your purpose.

Purpose provides you the will to get up, put on your big boy (or big girl) boots, and get moving towards building something better for yourself and those you care about. Sometimes it’s hard to do this for yourself; fine, do it for others because it’s not all about you anyways. A purpose outside of yourself is a good way to build the hope you need in a world where there seemingly is none.

Reality Sucks

The reality is we are in trouble. And? How does ruminating on that help anyone? If it truly bothers you to the core (which I’ll admit, I’ve fallen into that), then it’s time to get up and do something about it. It doesn’t need to be some crazy move to single-handedly save the entire world overnight. That is unrealistic and naive. It can be as simple as planting some trees in your neighborhood, helping out the elderly or disabled in your area, or studying science to find a more efficient way to do ecosystem restoration to fix the habitats we destroyed. What ever it is, focus on trying to help others as that provides fulfillment in ways helping yourself can’t.

Another reality that people need to face is one that no one likes talking about, but is constant just like taxes. Death. All things have a beginning and an end. This is the natural way of life. The unspoken rule of nature. To fear something that is necessary is futile and will only rob you of the life you currently have. We will all die someday, but that doesn’t matter, what matters is what you will do today. What you will do tomorrow. Who you will do it for, and how you are remembered to inspire and lead future generations. Because again, it’s not all about you, remember.

Born Again

Out of chaos, order is born again, and the world is reorganizing itself from a state of over indulgence and selfishness to one of balance. Nature just has its own way of doing that, whether we like that way or not. It is necessary in all transitions. It has happened before many times and it will happen again (history and nature books are helpful for understanding this). The world is going to do what it will do, but it’s your perspective and reaction that will dictate whether you face it with strength or with fear. After all, a need for control is derived from fear.

So practice acceptance, let go of the burden of worrying for the world. It is beyond your control as it should be. Find your inner peace and let the chaos of the world go. Find hope in those you care about and the things you enjoy. Take the time to be appreciative of the things you do have and foster that gratitude through acts of service to others. That is your only path to peace in this crazy world. May peace be with you.

The purpose of this GI SAID IT blog is simple, to provide perspective. GI delivers this unique perspective in a style that is unapologetically honest, straight to the point, and at times a bit brutal. GI SAID IT: Brutally honest, no BS. Click for more GI SAID IT shows and articles.