The past few years have challenged us beyond belief. Health concerns, losses, political upheavals, financial constraints, and widespread violence remind us how chaotic life can be. We have faced so many changes our coping skills have been stretched to the max.
During the past few months, my husband and I had more than our share of traumas. We had Covid; a dear niece died from multiple health issues; another family member fractured a vertebra and a spinal fusion; our home had several water leaks that required costly repairs; dear friends moved away.
Then Hurricane Ian slammed into southwest Florida. So many people have lost their lives, homes, and belongings. Mother Nature’s intensive pruning and the storm surge have created piles of debris. Homes were washed away, and beautiful destination spots have been destroyed. We are fortunate to live far enough inland and south of the eye of the storm to have avoided any serious damage. However, our cypress trees and bushes turned brown overnight from the salt water. The lush terrane looks as dismal as the stacks of debris that lines the streets.
We have all sustained many stress-related concerns. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in the body. No wonder we are out of control and feel out of balance. We all crave a more peaceful existence.
Impact of Chronic Stress
Chaos and unplanned changes create havoc. The impact can be so intense we are shaken to the core. Every aspect of our being can be affected.
Chaos can:
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- Suppress the immune system
- Upset the digestive and reproductive systems
- Increase the risk of heart attack and stroke
- Speed up the aging process
- Increase anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems
- Diminish faith in a higher power, the universe, others, and ourselves
All great changes are preceded by chaos.
The key to preventing these harmful effects is to be proactive and prepared. Then, we can change our perspective and response. Instead of freezing, fretting, or fighting the inevitable, we can go with the flow. We can trust God to guide and provide for us.
We have all heard that the only given in life is change. How true! It is also one characteristic of energy, the sacred substance from which all creation is composed. Chaos is a state of utter confusion or disorder, a total lack of organization. It leaves us feeling out of control. Although this state is uncomfortable, we need this turmoil to learn and grow. Also, nothing new can emerge unless the old breaks down. Without upheaval, quantum leaps would not occur, and miracles would not materialize. Without change, the evolutionary process would cease.
Perhaps instead of avoiding turmoil, we should embrace it. We can transform challenges into opportunities by altering our perspectives and learning positive ways to respond. We can minimize the impacts of chaos and stress to enjoy abundant peace and joy. The Blueprint for the Human Spirit® offers guidance on how we can adapt to change and enjoy a life filled with abundant peace and joy.
How to Create Abundant Peace and Joy
When we envision a positive future, shift our attitudes and beliefs, promote health and wellness, and generate kindness and harmony, we create more peace and joy than we ever thought possible. The happiness we experience is intense enough to neutralize the chaos we encounter. It also helps us navigate challenges and roadblocks to contentment.
The first key is to breathe when life seems to be a holy mess. Pause in the silence, take a few deep cleansing breaths, and smile. Know that this shall pass because another change will soon occur!
When we align our thoughts, feelings, and actions with the truth of our being, we defuse the impact of unexpected and unwelcome changes.
Learn more about transforming chaos into peace and joy through this series of Blogs.
