Tried being true to yourself while bombarded daily with new trends, lifestyles, and gadgets purportedly to help achieve serenity? A tall order in a world whose demands are full of contradictions, where everyone is expected to be real, functioning people who can be and are enjoying inner peace.

In theory, inner peace may be achieved by practicing congruence. Geometry defines congruence as that situation when angles and lines “coincide exactly when superimposed.” People who behave in the same way as they think and   talk practice congruency. For example, to believe in, and verbally support, environmental protection while consistently using plastic bags could create a conflict within a person. Eventually, the same individual may give up on environmental protection advocacy.

Peace is not in a far away land. Each person willing to change their ingrained attitudes contributes greatly to achieving equanimity in families and communities. What are some of the overlooked factors that bring inner peace?

Acceptance is one. We’ve all heard the words “I never promised you a rose garden,” which means life will always be thorny but there are choices available to all. Evaluate when you can and cannot make those choices then accept situations that cannot be controlled.

Love oneself. It’s that selfie thing but not in photos. If I don’t love me, who would? It might sound a cliché but if you look around, people who make time for themselves are the ones who are asked to share more with others; their time, talents with their communities.

And loving oneself means looking after one’s health. Regular check ups indicates we are taking care of our bodies, making sure that we are physically and mentally ready to take on the challenges of daily life.

Write down goals, have a deadline to keep you on track. I use to read a book each month. Others take on mastering the use of a new application relevant to their work.

The world is full of flaws but a grateful attitude generates a calm demeanor and building on it, inner peace will have a place in your heart.

Written by Yoli P. – The Help