The Journey Inward

"Don't feel bad removing people who love to create their own chaos.  Your allegiance is to your peace of mind..." 
"You are always given the opportunity to make someone feel appreciated...When it comes to kindness, nothing is ever small." ~Dodinsky

Once again, I combined parts of two different quotes to reflect on.  I liked the juxtaposition of chaos and kindness.  

The kids at school call it "drama," but I know it as chaos.  

People who complicate their lives by lying, gossiping, deceiving, cheating, stirring the pot, and becoming addicted live in chaos.  Their lives become unmanageable.  It is not necessarily what they want or would choose.  There are so many legitimate reasons for how people find comfort and predictability in chaos.  It is predictably unpredictable and uncomfortably comfortable.

But it impacts the lives of the people around them unless they have strong boundaries, can detach, or are willing to walk away.  It is exhausting to be in relationship with a chaotic person.  It poisons and erodes and destroys.

On the other hand, there are people who emanate light. They live in kindness.  They spread cheer, good will, and smiles.  These people are compatible with maintaining calm.

I love the word allegiance in reference to peace of mind.   Far from being selfish, having an allegiance to your peace of mind helps you make decisions, choose friends and activities, be discerning.  Peace of mind does not always equate to easy times, but it does mean being centered and grounded.

Each day this month, I am reading and writing about an entry from gentle reminders: SIMPLE TRUTHS FOR A MEANINGFUL LIFE by Dodinsky. This book was given to me after my divorce by a friend, with this inscription: “Let your soul sparkle.”