I’ll be the first to admit that I’m somewhat anxiety-prone, and I’ll never claim to handle stress well. During particular moments of edginess, the consternation often shows on my countenance. My facial muscles contort and tense up. In fact, my entire life I’ve been receiving comments similar to the following:
Smile!
Wow, you look thrilled to be here (sarcasm)
You should try yoga (I do already, thanks)
You shouldn’t look like this (frown face), you should look like this! (exaggerated smiley face)
You never act excited about anything
Are you constipated?
On the one hand, it’s like, leave me alone, eh? Don’t tell me how to feel. Don’t tell me how to act. And while I understand the intent, I really do despise being told to smile. Unless you’re taking my picture, of course.
On the other hand, well, I do need to relax. It’s partly my nature, but I’m a big believer in the human capacity to change. To learn. To transform.
I’m no expert in the art of serenity, but I do frequent Oprah’s website quite a bit. My favorite is the “spirit” tab. From there I’ve learned much on the art of inner-exploration, self-reflection, and the importance of peace and forgiveness.
No matter what happens in my life, I have one ultimate goal: to achieve inner-peace. Stress, fear, and anxiety have already poisoned me inside. I’ve missed opportunities, and have cut down my own self worth. And to that I say, Enough!
To me, inner peace isn’t about sitting cross legged, and touching my index fingers to my thumbs while humming “Om”; no, to me it’s about being comfortable, healthy, and thankful each and every day. It’s about waking up in the morning and knowing that I’m going to do something that makes me happy.
It’s undoubtedly going to be a long journey. I don’t expect to achieve this anytime soon. But cliche as it may sound, I’m going to start trying to enjoy the journey a hell of a lot more than I have been.
That is what Serene Saturdays is all about. Each week, I’ll share small, everyday things that lowers my heart rate and relaxes my muscles, and most importantly, etches an image of gratitude…and peace…on my face.
I’ll leave you with this quote from Steve Jobs:
“When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like, “If you live each day as if it were your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.”
It made an impression on me… and since then, for the past 33 years I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself, “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I’m about to do today.”
And whenever the answer has been, “no” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.”
We can’t always do what we wish we could each day. But hey, at least on Saturdays (nicely patted by Sundays) we can be ‘serene.’
theintrinsicwriter 
Pingback: Serene Saturdays: Calm-as Kinkade | theintrinsicwriter