Finding Calm in the Chaos: Weathering the Storms of Life

Author

Peggy Gleason
August 08, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

This past week has been nothing short of challenging, with the weather throwing us a curveball.

Temperatures soared, reaching highs that turned our home into a veritable oven, with the mercury hitting a sweltering 88 degrees inside.

To add to the chaos, heavy rains lashed out intermittently, leaving us grappling with extreme conditions without the comfort of air conditioning.

It was one of those weeks where everything seemed to be conspiring to test our resilience.

Amid the discomfort and frustration, I found myself yearning for a way to cope, to find a sliver of peace amidst the chaos. It was then that I remembered the old adage,

"When it rains, look for the rainbow."

And so, I decided to embrace the tumultuous weather and seek tranquility through meditation and journaling.

Meditation: Finding Stillness in the Storm

As the rain poured down and the heat pressed in, I carved out a small corner of my home where I could sit quietly.

I closed my eyes, took deep breaths, and focused on the sound of the rain.

It became a rhythmic backdrop to my meditation, each drop a reminder that nature, in all its fury, also holds a serene beauty.

This practice allowed me to center myself, to find a stillness that transcended the physical discomfort.

Journaling: Writing Through the Whirlwind

In the evenings, I turned to my journal.

Writing has always been a therapeutic outlet for me, and this time was no different. I poured my thoughts onto the pages, documenting not just the external chaos, but also my internal landscape.

The act of writing became a way to process my emotions, to acknowledge the frustration and discomfort, but also to find moments of gratitude and reflection. I wrote about the rain, its cleansing power, and how it mirrored my journey of finding clarity amidst confusion.

Seeking Relief: A Haven at My Daughter’s Home

Despite my efforts to find inner peace, the relentless heat eventually became unbearable.

It was then that I decided to seek relief at my daughter's house.

Her home, blessedly cool and welcoming, became a sanctuary.

We spent time together, talking, laughing, and simply enjoying each other's company.

It was a reminder that sometimes, amidst life's storms, the best refuge is the warmth of loved ones.

Embracing the Lessons

This week of extreme weather taught me valuable lessons.

It reminded me of the importance of self-care and the power of mindfulness practices like meditation and journaling.

It also reinforced the significance of community and the comfort of family.

By looking for the rainbow in the rain, I found moments of peace and connection that made the challenges more bearable.

As we move forward, I encourage you all to find your own ways of coping with life's storms.

Whether through meditation, journaling, or seeking the company of loved ones, remember that there is always a way to find calm in the chaos.

Stay mindful, stay connected, and remember to look for the rainbows.

Warm and Dry,

Dr. Peggy

Welcome to the Professional Women's Wellness Podcast! I’m Dr. Peggy Gleason, creator of the Mindful Eating Approach.

Today, we have a special guest, Patrice Porter, also known as The Gardening Grandma.

Patrice is a master cultivator who sows seeds of life skills in future generations, teaching the art of growing fresh, nourishing foods while supporting the growth of resilient families.

She’s the author of the "Bringing Out the Potential of Children" series and co-author of the #1 Best Seller, "No-Problem Parenting; Raising Your Kiddos with More Confidence and Less Fear."

  • Patrice shares her journey into gardening and her transition into becoming The Gardening Grandma.

  • "I always had rhythm. I can keep a beat. I think, I hope, let’s find out."

  • The challenges of finding unadulterated foods and the benefits of growing your own.

  • "I would go to the grocery stores and it was so hard to find unadulterated foods. It's worse now."

  • Tips on how to fit gardening into a busy lifestyle and the benefits of even small-scale gardening.

  • "You can have your little pot of herbs by the door and use that to liven up your dishes."

  • The joy and benefits of teaching children to garden and how it can be a bonding experience.

  • "Gardening with your kids can be a terrific bonding opportunity and an avenue for quality time."

  • How to engage urban kids in gardening and create interest even in small spaces.

  • "The first question I always ask is, 'What type of garden would you like to have?'"

  • Using gardening as a meditative practice and stress relief.

  • "Gardening can be great for stress relief and almost becomes like a meditative practice."

  • The importance of family gardening and how it fosters resilience and quality time.

  • "I’m really big on having family gardens. It's an opportunity to spend quality time and open up conversations."

  • "Gardening with your kids can be a terrific bonding opportunity and an avenue for quality time."

  • "Gardening can be great for stress relief and almost becomes like a meditative practice."

Patrice offers various online courses, including a free course titled "Green Thumb Kids: Unleash Your Creativity and Grow Some Garden Goodies."

She is also offering a free gift Creating A Family Vision PDF.

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Looking Ahead:

Episode #13 From Stressed to Dressed: How to Feel Confident in Your Clothes Again With Seasoned Image Consultant Tessa Gray.

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