Introduction

"Wild animals run from the dangers they actually see, and once they escape, they worry no more. We, however, are tormented alike by what is past and what is to come. Our goods are worse than theirs, for they have no anxiety about the future, and we are tortured by both the future and the past." - Seneca (circa 4 BCE – 65 CE)

I believe that we are here to cocreate each moment together. We do this by creating intentional habits that empower our bodies, shape our thinking, and align us with the highest good.

With each passing moment, we are given two options. The first option is that we can impose yesterday’s failures and successes onto our worries about tomorrow. This option predestines our failures onto tomorrow while worrying that the glory of our success might be lost. The second option is to transform our past failures and successes in this moment as wisdom informing the actions that influence and give shape to tomorrow, a tomorrow that still only ever arrives as NOW.

Today, this moment, is all we have! Now is the only reality we will ever know. The past and future are nothing more than thoughts happening right now. According to a Gallup study, The Global Rise of Sadness, our world is more depressed and sadder than ever, and our anxiety is shaping a reactionary world prone to all types of fear. Why explore longevity if more fear and anxiety are what we are shaping?

Peace is the Foundation of Life

In my experience, peace is the foundation on which we create our life and chaos is the clay we are given that shapes our present reality. But when chaos seems to be the state (or foundation) of life, instead of creating the life we desire, we find ourselves reacting to life. During my good friend, Dr. Daniel Friedland’s life, he talked often about the Cycles of Creativity versus Reactivity. He understood that stress (related to chaos here) is either the source of our creativity or it is the source of our reactivity. In other words, chaos is the source of our creations (something happening THROUGH US), or it is the source of our reactions (something that has happened TO US).

So, let’s dive into the 5 Second Half of Life Habits for Keeping the P.E.A.C.E. To help us all remember how to keep the peace, our process is captured in the acronym P.E.A.C.E.

Habits for Keeping the P.E.A.C.E.

P = Prime your Purpose
(When my feet hit the floor)

I start each morning with a simple exercise to calm my past worries and day’s anxieties. Priming my purpose nourishes my mind, body, and soul. It begins with a full glass of water to rehydrate and kickstart my metabolism. Then, I spend 30-60 seconds in gratitude for my breath, life, family, and freedom. This practice helps me affirm my purpose and embrace my roles as a husband, father, coach, content creator, and community–builder.

E = Elevate
(Within the first 60 minutes of my day)

After priming my purpose, I jump into a time of elevating purpose in my life. It’s a time to inspire myself so that the overflow of my morning results in the inspiration of others. I do this by spending some time enlightening (mind), exercising (body), and elevating (soul). For me this entails, four things:

Enlighten (10-15 minutes)

1. Mindfulness and Breathwork: During this time, I will choose to meditate, pray, or partake in a breathwork session.
2. Brain Dump: On days I’m struggling with rumination and worry about the past or anxiety about the future, I journal to free my mind, fostering self-awareness and presence.

Exercise (20-30 minutes)
3. Workout: This can be a 2–3-mile walk, stretching, or a 20 minute HIIT workout, pickleball, whatever works for you.

Elevate (10-15 minutes)

4. Reading: This cherished time of my day is spent absorbing wisdom from those who came before. I've created intentional spaces to access inspiring resources like books, articles, devotionals, and my journal notes, with easy access to favorite books and personal growth materials on my iPhone.

A = Attract People of Peace
(While getting ready for the day)

Have you ever woken up anxious about a loved one, an upcoming presentation, or unresolved trauma? Attracting people of peace begins with setting an intention to notice peaceful individuals. Instead of getting lost in fear and others' expectations, make room for new friendships that align with your values and vision. What if the great spiritual and philosophical teachers are right?

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. –Matthew 7:7

What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create. –Buddha

What you seek is seeking you. –Rumi

Look within. Within is the fountain of good, and it will ever bubble up, if thou wilt ever dig. –Marcus Aurelius

Here are some affirmative intentions to get you started on the pathway to attracting people of peace in your life:

1. I am surrounded by people who bring peace, positivity, and kindness into my life. I welcome these harmonious relationships with gratitude and an open heart.
2. I attract loving and peaceful individuals who enrich my life with their presence. Together, we create a supportive and serene environment.
3. Every day, I encounter people who share my values of peace, respect, and mutual understanding. Our connections grow stronger and more fulfilling.
4. I am a magnet for peaceful, compassionate individuals. Our interactions are filled with harmony, trust, and joy.
5. My life is filled with gentle and caring souls. We support each other and build a community of peace and love.

C = Contemplate & Cultivate
(Occurs at the end of my workday)

In the late afternoon, usually around 5:00 or 5:30 PM, I pause to contemplate my day. Borrowing from the Jesuit tradition of Examen, I reflect with gratitude and consider my growth opportunities and relationships. It's a time to cultivate a mindset of transition, preparing myself to show up fully for the next part of my day without carrying over any stress or negativity.

Contemplation is like watching the movie of your day. As you “watch” your day, take time to pause the movie as you assess these questions:

1. What can I be grateful for?
2. What can I celebrate?
3. Where did I fall short today?
4. Where was I not a person of peace for others?

Cultivation is all about preparing the ground and planting the seeds of peace in anticipation of new growth tomorrow.

E - Ease into Sleep
(30-60 minutes before bed)

Finally, as evening sets in, I begin to ease into sleep. How well I've kept the peace during the day often influences this process. I review any areas I may have neglected and set intentions for how I wish to show up tomorrow. It’s hard to say if the success of a new day starts with Priming my Purpose & Elevate or Easing into Sleep. Regardless, they are bookends to every day I experience peace. The goal of this last habit starts with consistency in three things:

1. Consistent Bedtime: My goal is to start easing into sleep at 9:00 PM, though distractions like binge-watching TV, conversations, or working late often make this challenging.
2. Evening Meditation, Prayer, and Journaling: These help me let go of the day and be present, creating a loving and supportive mindset for the night through brief meditation, prayer, or gratitude journaling.
3. Intention for Tomorrow: At the end of the day, I focus on a word like love, gratitude, service, or inspiration to prepare for a creative and purposeful tomorrow. What word will you start with tonight?

Imagine adopting these practices: priming your purpose each morning for clarity and direction, invigorating your body and mind with daily exercise, and attracting peaceful interactions and relationships. Contemplating and cultivating personal growth each evening and easing into sleep with intention can provide restorative rest and readiness for the next day. Are you ready to take advantage of these habits and transform your life?

Embrace the concept of Keeping the P.E.A.C.E. to guide you towards emotional resilience and a life filled with purpose, vitality, and harmony. Achieving inner peace allows you to manage your emotions effectively, fostering a supportive environment where others are inspired to follow. To receive a Keeping the P.E.A.C.E. Habits Worksheet, text PEACE to (888) 599-4491.

Learn more about ways you can navigate life's many transitions with our Howard Bailey Coaching Community offerings. Schedule a Life Repurposed Call with Les McDaniel, Howard Bailey's Chief Purpose Officer.

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