There is no doubt that you can count the things that have been bad this year, but as this year comes to an end, allow yourself the moment to be intentional and reflect on everything that has gone right in 2023. What are your gratitudes for 2023? Are you thankful that you survived 100% of your bad days? 

'Tis the season! As we bring December to an end, this holiday season is still in effect. For many different reasons, such as finances, beliefs, relationships, or emotional experiences, it's a struggle. How do we navigate the seasons of life? Regardless of your season,  there are so many seasons that don't always line up. So, unfortunately, there is the reality that even on the best days and even on the holidays, you're not going to always feel joy. You're not going to always exhibit hope and anticipation, and you're not always going to be at peace. So, how do we make peace within?

As we delve deeper into this article, let's redefine our understanding of joy, peace, and hope and explore how we can genuinely nurture them.

1. Joy

Joy is a profound force that transcends momentary pleasures, contributing to a positive and fulfilling existence. Often used interchangeably, joy and happiness carry distinct nuances. Delving into neurobiology, joy is intricately tied to the release of serotonin, promoting feelings of well-being and contentment. Unlike happiness, which may be fleeting and accompanied by potential drawbacks, joy offers a sustainable and wholesome emotional experience.

Joy serves as a compass for understanding the essence of true happiness. To cultivate genuine joy, we must acknowledge that our diverse emotional landscape is integral to our human experience. While external factors contribute to momentary happiness, genuine and enduring happiness is an internal state of being. By prioritizing joy, we gain insights into the foundations of lasting happiness, transcending the transient nature of external circumstances.

2. Peace

There are days when we lose the battle, but it's critical to know that we have already won the war. Sometimes, even our most valiant efforts do not change the state of things, so what do we do? What do we do when we're right there in this place, drifting full of mixed emotions, struggling to identify them because we struggle to articulate our thoughts? What do we do when we're looking for peace of mind?  

Peace is a dynamic equilibrium that involves making peace with the past, savoring the present, and preparing for the future. It extends beyond the absence of external and internal chaos and compasses a deep internal harmony that allows individuals to approach life with a grounded and serene perspective. Creating a peaceful environment involves establishing healthy boundaries, managing stressors, and fostering positive relationships.

3. Hope

Sometimes, it feels like it's just too much to recover from, and you'll never get out of it.   Well, hope is sustaining patience in the midst of challenges. So, during these difficult times, we keep the flame of hope alive by acknowledging the difficulties while maintaining faith that things will improve.  

Hope doesn't negate the existence of difficulties. Instead, it provides a perspective that transcends immediate challenges. Sustaining hope requires the ability to endure with patience and recognize that progress and improvement may take time and that setbacks are a natural part of the journey. 

Hope is not blind optimism; it's a delicate balance between realism and positivity. It involves acknowledging the inevitability of change and adapting one's mindset to find opportunities within challenges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are no shortcuts in life; the only way to deal with it is to go through it. The only thing you need to know in the storm is that you're not alone. It doesn't matter how long it takes. It doesn't matter that you can't figure out everything. Just know that the only thing you need to overcome in this challenge is your mindset. Remember, this season is a chapter, not the entire story, and within the ebb and flow, we can find enduring hope, joy, and peace.

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