Hey friend, hey!
Hope you’re feeling warm and cozy as we get ready to welcome Novmber and the holiday season. This week, we're diving into something we all need more of right now – peace. Welcome to Season 7, Episode 3 of The Self Love Podcast by Love, Maaden – The ABCs of Peace.
If you've read my essay, "Peace Is The Real Flex," in my newsletter, The Self Love Letter (you can sign up on Substack or at lovemaaden.com), you might remember the ABCs of maintaining our inner peace. Today, we're delving deeper as we unpack each strategy.
The guiding scripture for the week is from John 16:33 and says, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." – John 16:33
Our three strategies, The ABCs of Peace, examine each part of the scripture in-depth.
A is for Acceptance. The scripture states, "In the world, you will have tribulation…" Some versions say "suffering" or "distress" instead of tribulation. We discuss how we practice acceptance as a means to establish peace, how that process feels, and how it's progressing.
B is for Boundary. The scripture also says, "...take heart…" Other versions say "be encouraged," "be of good cheer," or "be comforted." We discuss the boundaries we put in place to protect our peace, not only from others but from our own conflicting thoughts.
C is for Contentment. Finally, the scripture says, "…in me you have peace [or shalom]." Shalom is a Hebrew word meaning peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare, and tranquility. We delve into how we are cultivating contentment in our day-to-day lives and how gratitude has transformed our minds in the current season.
We conclude the episode with this prayer, thanking God for the gift of Shalom, and committing to our shared weekly practice:
"I commit to shifting my focus from combating my issues to accepting where I am as a first step toward inner peace. I will shed the false narrative of perfectionism for the flawed facade of reality. Once established, I will protect that peace with healthy boundaries and genuine gratitude in my daily life."
Have a great week, friends! Also, a heads up that next week's episode is a special 90-minute paid-subscriber-only episode delving deep into relationships. If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe or upgrade your subscription below!
Love, Maaden
