Peace Be Still

Peace: The Ultimate Power-Up for Your Life

Let’s face it: we all have that little voice in our heads—some call it intuition, others call it a really annoying neighbor who never seems to leave you alone. I try to listen to my inner voice more than ever because, honestly, I’m on a mission to avoid attaching myself to anyone who might turn my life into a soap opera. No thanks! I’m not looking to audition for a role in “Days of Our Lives.”

Have you ever found yourself thinking, “Why didn’t I listen to that gut feeling?” Well, it’s usually because you were too busy believing in a fairy tale where everyone is a prince or princess—spoiler alert: they’re not! It’s essential to see people for who they really are, not who you wish they would be. So, grab a seat, sit in peace, and ask yourself: do I want to deal with the truth or live in a fantasy world where unicorns exist and everyone is nice?

Daily Tests of Peace

Every day is like a pop quiz on how to maintain your peace. Are you ready? Spoiler alert: it’s not multiple choice! You’ll have to make choices that could affect your sanity, and trust me, I’ve had to dodge more social events than a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars.” Why? Because I needed to steer clear of people who still hang out with my ex-abuser. I mean, who wants to relive that drama? Not me!

At first, I thought, “Forget this, I’m not hiding from my life!” But then my inner voice chimed in, “Hey Tonya, what’s more important? Your peace and happiness or hanging out where trouble could pop up like a bad surprise party?” After some serious soul-searching (and maybe a few snacks), I chose the peace route. Now, I go MIA for a while, and my friends know that when I disappear, it’s not because I’ve joined a secret society; it’s just me recharging my peace batteries.

Friendship: The Balancing Act

Let’s talk about friendships—because who doesn’t love a good juggling act? You can’t spread yourself out like butter on toast, and trust me, I’ve disappointed more friends than I can count. But if your friends are true pals, they won’t take it personally when you can’t show up to every gathering. My best friend Eboni and I have been tight since the 4th grade, and we both know that sometimes life gets in the way of our Netflix binge sessions.

Sometimes, you have to cut ties with those clingy friends who act like they’re auditioning for “The Real Housewives of Wherever.” A little distance can do wonders for your peace of mind. I suggest taking a week off from your social life—think of it as a spa retreat but without the cucumber slices on your eyes. Focus on yourself and your goals, and don’t be afraid to say “NO” to things that make you want to pull your hair out.

Being Selfish for Your Peace

Now, I know some people won’t understand when you prioritize your peace. But guess what? That’s not your problem! Your peace is like a limited-edition collectible—valuable and rare. So, be a little selfish! You owe it to yourself. And remember, some people in your circle might either grow or just... stay there, like a plant that refuses to bloom. It’s your job to weed out the negativity and confusion. Even if they’re family or childhood friends, if they’re dragging you down, it’s time to love them from a distance.

So, let’s wrap this up with a reminder: give yourself some peace and enjoy those quiet moments. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Your sanity will thank you, and you might even find yourself doing a little happy dance in your living room—because who wouldn’t want that?