Let There Be
Peace on Earth

World peace. It's something that so many people wish for, and yet it seems so far out of any one person's grasp to attain. As I thought about where peace originates, the lyrics to a song came to mind.

"Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be. With God as our father, brothers all are we. Let me walk with my brother in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now. With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow. To take each moment and live each moment, with peace eternally. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."

Click here to listen to this beautiful song.

"Let There Be Peace on Earth" was written in 1955 by Jill Jackson Miller and Sy Miller. Jackson, who had been suicidal after the failure of a marriage, later said that she wrote the song after discovering what she called the "life-saving joy of God's peace and unconditional love."

As I think about the lyrics to this song, it occurs to me that in order to have peace, we must be peace. That place of being peace begins within each of us, and it starts with our own self-talk. When you listen to the chatter in your head, what do you hear?

How many times a day do you beat yourself up with thoughts like this?

Everywhere I go, I seem to attract bad luck.
I'm so disorganized.
I'm too ___ (old, young, fat, short, etc.)
No one will hire me. 
I can't do anything right. 
I'm a horrible ___ (parent, child, friend, etc.)
I'll never be able to get out of debt.
There's nothing I can do to change my circumstances.

Studies show that 87% of most people's thoughts are negative ones.

I used to be masterful at thinking these kinds of negative thoughts. So much of my time and energy was spent worrying and complaining about all that was wrong with the world.

Today I choose different thoughts. I've come to realize that the best way I can contribute to a better world is to begin by creating peace within myself.

World peace begins with inner peace.

When our self-talk is negative or full of hatred, we can't help but radiate this outwardly onto those around us. Here's how it works...

Words produce thoughts.
   Thoughts fuel our feelings.
     Feelings inform our decisions.
        Decisions stimulate actions.
         Actions form habits.
             Habits create character.
             Character determines destiny.

Here are a few things I have done that have helped me change the nature of my thinking, which has ultimately affected the way I show up and contribute to humankind.

Get in gratitude! No matter what is going on in my life, there is always something I am grateful for. Find something wonderful to acknowledge in at least one person each day...a sales clerk's helpfulness, a friend's kindness, a family member's support, or a colleague's important contribution to your field of work. I find that beginning my day by expressing gratitude to someone else starts my day on a positive note and sets the tone for the rest of the day.

Share a simple act of kindness. Today, try sharing a simple act of kindness with a family member, a friend, or even a stranger. It will brighten your day and theirs. Give the gift of a smile and a greeting to a stranger, hold open a door for someone, reach out to someone you know who may be feeling down and cheer them up. Find some meaningful volunteer work to plug yourself into. Pay it forward. Give the gift of a positive and happy attitude even when you may be dealing with difficult issues. Find something good out of every situation. When your attitude changes to a positive one, it's contagious!

Click here to watch a wonderful video (4 minutes) about the power of kindness: "A simple act of caring creates an endless ripple."

Tune out the negative. It can be difficult not to pay attention to all the bad going on in the world. But if you only focus on the negative, you might also find yourself battling the emotions of fear and anxiety all day long. Refuse to participate in negativity, and be respectful of those who share a different point of view.

Despite the negative stories bombarding us from all directions, there are many positives in the world to focus on instead. Here are some tips to help with this:

• Family: We all have those moments when our family members drive us a bit crazy. Still, family can offer a safe harbor. If your biological family does not provide this for you, choose people to surround yourself with who are like family to you. You can have a biological family and a chosen family.

• Friends: Whether you like to surround yourself with lots of friends or spend time with a few close ones, friends are one of the best ways to focus your mind on the positive things around you. If your friends are not supportive or uplifting, create an intention for the New Year to seek new friends who will support your highest good.
  
  Click here to watch a short video about the power of who you choose to surround yourself with.

• Generosity: While it may seem that people today care only about themselves, generosity is, in fact, alive and well. People are more than willing to give of themselves - both of their time and their money. They have learned Francis of Assisi's words are true: "For it is in giving that we receive."

Finally, remember as you seek peace in your life that you can't have a war when one side doesn't show up. Pick your battles.

If you want to create peace in the world, start by creating peace in your own mind. Inner peace will affect your family, your community, your country, and ultimately the planet.