In Pursuit of Peace

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I’ve been sitting here, racking my brain trying to decide what to write.

The urge to write is there, minus the topic or the words.

So I do what most of us do to waste time: go to social media. One thumb-swipe later I saw a video interview that one of my friends shared. It was a woman talking about her family and she mentioned how they “bring [her] so much peace.”
I’ve heard married women and moms describe their families in many ways, but I don’t think I’ve heard a woman describe her family in that way…and I found it to be absolutely beautiful.

Growing up, I feel like we’re taught to pursue so many things; love, happiness, success, security, loyalty…etc. But prior to adulthood, how often have you heard someone say we should pursue peace?

For some reason, it seemed to be the one thing I’ve often been willing to use as a martyr. I’ve sacrificed it for family, “love,” a paycheck, and probably more things that I can recall.

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Though, over that last few years, I’ve fallen in love with my peace for many reasons. I enjoy my alone time. I appreciate the moments where I can unplug, curl up on my couch to read with a good cup of tea. The time I can unwind with an uninterrupted bath. The ability to jump on a flight and relax in a random city, without worries.

No, I’m not bragging, but this life of mine is intentionally serene.

One of my cousins said to me “I love how you know how to visit people long enough to show you love us and care, yet stay away enough to dodge the mess.” And while I don’t do this entirely on purpose, I can’t deny that it’s true.

I cherish my peace and no matter where I am in life from this point on, I will always pursue it.

Why? Because I have lived in enough chaos to desire the complete opposite.

I have battled anxiety. I have conquered depression. I have been handed heartache. I have seen dark days. I have faced failure. I have come through turmoil. I have survived low self-esteem. I have been broken. I have not loved myself to the fullest. I have chased the wrong relationships. I have welcomed confusion. I have loved and lost. I have even given up peace for comfortability.

All past tense…because I am here now, thankful for all of the above. Had I not experienced any of that I probably wouldn’t cherish life without them.

So to whoever is reading this, whatever difficult decision you have to make — I encourage you to follow the one that leads you to peace. Whether that’s trying to decide on staying in a relationship, considering a change of employment, or even walking away from a friendship; take a moment to pray and follow God’s peace.

It’s not always easy and the road to peace isn’t always a glorious one, but it is as tranquil as you could imagine.

It’s worth the pursuit.

Pursue it.

XO,
Ces

Oh, you're ‘single single’ during the holidays?

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Oh, you're ‘single single’ during the holidays?

You've already planned how you're going to respond to the question, looked up clap-backs on Black Twitter for the elders, and prepped to swerve the aggy aunt who tries to set you up with her friend's son. Who are you? A single female during the holidays.

Whew, chile — trust me, I get it!

But what feels like a blow to the ego or a low-key slap boxing match for your pride, really can become a moment to practice your fearlessness. So before you grease your palette to tell your aunt how dry her mac-and-cheese is, let's warm your heart and prepare your mind for how to handle the holidays as the single queen that you are.

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