4 WAYS TO STAY GROUNDED

The world that we are living in today is anything but peaceful and predictable. It seems that every day there is some new tragedy or cause for fear that demands every ounce of our attention. 

 

These incidences come from every direction and in all shapes and sizes. Whether a

personal issue arises that completely disrupts your peace of mind but seems to

only affect you personally or a global event transpires that uproots the

happiness and joy of millions of people simultaneously, (ever hear of

COVID–19?) our world can be a very uneasy place to exist. 

 

With everything going on around you, maintaining a sense

of security and order in your mental environment and personal life can feel

like a completely futile effort. 

 

Try as you may, there seems to be something that always comes along for no other

reason than to fill you with fear and worry. While you can’t change the dynamic

nature of the world you live in, there are thoughts and strategies that, when

implemented effectively, can help you stay grounded when life gets crazy. 

You Cannot Bear The Weight Of The World On Your Shoulders

 

One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is to realize and come to terms

with the fact that you are a single human being that is tremendously incapable

of bearing the weight of the world on your shoulders. 

 

At first glance, this may seem like a sign that you should just give up and let

yourself be tossed in the waves of each new tragedy. However, becoming aware of

your limitations can serve as one of the biggest sources of peace you could

ever hope to find.

 

This is because when you take the time to identify the things that are

out of your control, the list of things that you actually can influence becomes

much clearer. Instead of feeling overwhelmed at every single problem going on

around you, you can focus your efforts on only the issues that you can change. 

 

Not only does this give you a much-needed sense of authority over your

circumstances, but it also frees you from the burden of trying to manage the

problems of the world by yourself. In the raging war that is our world today,

you must pick your battles wisely. 

 

For the one who has placed their trust in Jesus, there is

much peace to be found.

Reading comforting scriptures like the ones listed

below will bring peace, reassurance, and brightness to your day. Printing your

favorites on an index card to carry with you can help you refocus when your

mood turns somber.

 

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will 

strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

 

For He himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b

 

Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, (burdened) and I will give you

rest. Matt. 11:28

 

There are many more verses you can discover through a quick search on BlueLetterBible

or YouVersion bible apps.

 

 

 

Maintain Perspective

 

Another common issue that many of us have when it comes to all the things going wrong

in the world is that we automatically feel as if these things have a direct

effect on our personal lives. 

 

While this may seem callous, the truth is that not only are most of the issues we

notice daily through the media or online, things that have little to no effect

on our personal existence, they are also far out of our hands.

 

Support local causes, donate to charities if you see fit, sign important petitions, or

voice your opinion on social media if you so desire. Be sure to take a step

back now and then to be sure your concern over the issue does not become

all-encompassing. When we become consumed by one issue so much that it is all

we think, talk, or write about, we have lost our balance.

 

Expending your time and energy on trying to solve the problems that affect your immediate environment may be considered a better investment than worrying about a

conflict or issue you can have no real impact on. 

 

Supporting a worldwide cause for the sake of charity is fantastic, but not if doing so

means ignoring the conflicts that are staring you in the face. 

 

 

 

Maintain A Sense Of Order

 

Finally, it is critical that you maintain a sense of order in your own life, regardless of how messy and cluttered the things around you become. 

 

If you allow your internal state to mimic your external environment, you fall victim to the chaos. Whatever your day-to-day life entails, always strive to develop systems and routines that provide you with a sense of peace and security.  

 

That can look very different from one person to the next. 

 

Some prefer to meditate focusing on one word or phrase. For them, this brings calm and focus.

 

Others prefer to read or listen to the news to be informed as their day starts.

 

Some people enjoy listening to upbeat music to give them the energy needed to face the day.

 

Many enjoy journaling thoughts, ideas, or plans for the day to get their mind focused on the days' priorities. If that’s you, here’s a great journal with lots of space for lists and comments. It also has pictures, bible verses, and writing prompts for those hard-to-think days. 

 

I keep balance by starting each day off reading a devotional that I do online with friends. Next, I have offline bible study followed by prayer. 

 

I find when I start my day off by giving God the first of my time, asking for His peace, guidance, and wisdom, things go much smoother for me.

 

Find what works for you and make it become a habit. It only takes 21 consistent days! You can do this! Your peace of mind is well worth the investment.