5 Steps to Creating Peace in a Stressful Situation

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to have more drama and stress in their lives? They spend time telling stories of how things are not working, people don’t play fair and life is hard. Maybe that’s even you.

Then, there are those who seem to have it easy. Opportunities unfold; things always seem to fall into place for them. These people are often called “lucky.”

But are they really lucky? I don’t believe so.

The second person knows her power and uses it intentionally as the author of her life. She embraces hope and trust, giving and receiving, and lives fully in the present. Standing in her power, she trusts the world is friendly and people are good. She chooses and creates her future rather than replaying and reliving the past.

This person knows what it’s like to feel empowered from within, disconnected from the need to control a situation yet doing what needs to be done with integrity and will. She trusts in “This or something better, with harm to none,” allowing the universe to take care of the details.

She believes if the desired outcome is not achieved, there are bigger reasons and much wisdom to be received in the learning of the lesson.

I had an opportunity to test my skills at taking personal responsibility just last month. As I went through security in the Auckland International airport, I forgot to retrieve my computer with the rest of my belongings before boarding a plane to San Francisco. It wasn’t until I was going through security on my connecting flight 15 hours later that I realized my computer was not with me.

Right there I had a choice.

I could have burst into tears, put myself down for not paying attention, blame the security system for being too strict or not having a system set in place for busy and forgetful people like me. I could have spent time thinking of what it would be like if I didn’t get my computer back, the work time wasted and the inconvenience it was going to cause. Something I might have done in the past.

Fortunately, I didn’t.

At first I was concerned, disappointed and angry at myself for what I had done. It didn’t take long though for me to remember that was not going to get my computer back.

Without beating myself up or going into worry or doubt, I energetically reclaimed my computer. In my mind and heart, I knew it was mine. I called it back to me, feeling the gratitude in knowing it was finding its way home.

I lived in the future rather than beat myself up for the past.

As soon as I could, I took action. I did what I needed to do to find a phone and called my husband in New Zealand. I explained to him what had happened, gave him the details and asked him if he could contact the Auckland airport right away. Fortunately, he could and did, as I boarded my next plane to Phoenix.

Upon landing, I received a message saying my computer was safe. After talking to airport security, he contacted a friend in Auckland who had retrieved it and kept it for me until my return 15 days later.

And, at the end of his message, he reminded me there was a blessing in this opportunity – a “computer fast and cleansing” for the next 15 days.

I don’t know for sure if how I handled the situation helped to create my happy ending, but I’ve always believed what you give attention to increases. And it was a lot more empowering and enlightening without drama.

Below are 5 steps to creating peace in a stressful situation:

1. Watch for drama. Stop the story, the self-pity, frustration or sense of being overwhelmed. Remember, you are not a victim in your life. Stop defending yourself and blaming others. By doing so, you’re just creating more drama.  Stop reliving the past. You’re wasting your energy. It’s over. Move on.
2. Forgive yourself and if appropriate anyone else involved. Let it go and move forward.
3. Take a moment and go within. Notice your breath. Do what you need to do to get centred and grounded.
4. Get clear with your intention. What is it you desire? In your mind and body, actively see and feel your desire. Feel the gratitude, inner peace, connection, and freedom. Remember, what you give attention to expands.
5. Take action. Ask, “What do I need to do now?” Is there information to gather or people to talk to? Ask, “What do I need to do to move forward from here?”

You know as well as I, we’ll have many opportunities to practice this. The most important step is recognizing you have a choice. Slow life down and pay attention.

You can become a victim, creating drama and feelings of helplessness and despair or you can responsibly step into your personal power with authority and positive intention, trusting in a positive outcome.

I suggest, instead of worrying about the past and what could happen, see and feel your desired outcome and do what it takes to get there.