Finding Peace

Working our way through an unusually busy week last week, we finally reached an evening where we managed a little date out together to regroup. When we are having chaotic or taxing times, it’s always good to seek out a little bit of peace.

My Moments of Peace

Jen: When life is throwing me curveballs or is overwhelmingly busy, I find peace by planting myself someplace quiet for a bit. Whether it’s my sewing table, the backyard, or a cozy chair in the living room, being someplace quiet and just sitting still for a few minutes can help me regroup and get my brain back in order.

Nick: I find peace mostly by shutting off the noise. Just getting a few minutes where I’m not talking to anyone and not working is the most effective for me. If I am unable to just calm down in the quiet, I can also force my brain frazzle to calm by a change of focus. While scrolling is one possibility here, it is not the best one. Listening to an audiobook, watching something interesting on YouTube, or spending a little time on a video game will do the trick to quiet my racing mind.

Helping Each Other Find Peace

Jen: Nick helps me find peace by being a good listener. When I am feeling chaotic or out of sorts he may stop me and ask if I’m ok. Talking really helps me to sort things out when something is bothering me. Nick’s greatest strength in listening is his willingness to just let me vent without trying to solve my problems or offer solutions. Often I find solutions myself just by talking. Nick combines good listening with some kind of touch, like his hand on my arm or shoulder. He knows that my love language is physical touch, and that just a small touch can calm me when I’m stuck in my own head.

Nick: Jen helps me find peace by making sure I know she’s on my team. She is patient in drawing me out but not demanding when I am still processing my day and not ready to talk about it yet. Jen has a knack for knowing when just taking on something in place of me doing it is the right medicine, as acts of service are my primary love language. Sometimes, Jen will make the decision to love by putting aside the unending list of things to do and kicking back with me, a bowl of popcorn, and a streaming show. Jen knows that, for me, peace comes from being able to put down the weight of responsibility for a short time. This gives me the recharge I need in order to pick it up again.

Peace Amidst Chaos

Most of us find ourselves in the midst of chaos at some point in our lives. It is good to be able to find the way to peace on your own, but when your spouse recognizes this need and helps, you no longer have to tame the chaos alone. Seeking peace in your relationship and home together can be a strong defense against the chaos outside of the world around you. How do you help your spouse find peace?