Protecting your Peace: Setting Boundaries for the New Year
What is peace?
Peace is defined as freedom from disturbance and tranquility. To me, peace is something you must actively pursue. It’s not always innate or automatic; it requires intentional effort. A scripture that resonates deeply with this idea is Psalm 34:14 (KJV): “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” This verse stands out because it reminds us that peace isn’t passive, you have to go after it.
Achieving peace starts with mindfulness. Consider the words you speak, the actions you take, and how those choices affect others and yourself. So, how do we protect our peace? Let’s take a look at four actionable steps to create and maintain a life of tranquility.
1. Define What Peace Means to You
Before you can protect your peace, you must understand what it looks like in your life. What does being “free from disturbance” mean for you?
- Does it mean avoiding gossip or refusing to entertain drama?
- Does it involve practicing kindness, even when it’s difficult?
- Perhaps it’s about becoming more independent and not relying on others for validation or support.
Your definition of peace is personal. Take the time to reflect on what disrupts your sense of calm and what fosters it. Knowing this will serve as your foundation.
2. Recognize Your Triggers
Protecting your peace requires recognizing what disturbs your peace. Identifying the sources of stress or negativity in your life is key.
For example, if visiting a relative leaves you feeling judged or stressed, it’s important to acknowledge how those interactions affect you. It’s not about avoiding people entirely but understanding how certain environments or relationships trigger distress. When you pinpoint these triggers, you can make conscious choices to either limit your exposure or set clear boundaries, which brings me to my next point.
3. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
Creating boundaries can be challenging, but it’s an important step in protecting your peace. Often, when we establish boundaries, others may see us as “toxic” or “difficult.” Michelle Williams from Destiny’s Child once said something profound: “The only people upset by your boundaries are those who benefited from your lack of them.”
Boundaries are necessary to guard your well-being. It could be saying:
- “You can’t show up unannounced at my home.”
- “You can’t speak to me disrespectfully and expect me to be fine with it five minutes later.”
- “I’m no longer entertaining chaos or dysfunction in my life.”
These boundaries aren’t about being unkind; they’re about preserving your mental and emotional health.
4. Walk Away from Distractions
Distractions are peace stealers. Sometimes we get so caught up in helping others or handling situations that aren’t our responsibility, we neglect our own priorities. Over time, this builds stress and disrupts our peace. Think about it: when you continuously pour from your glass into others’ without replenishing your own, what’s left for you? Protecting your peace means recognizing when distractions are pulling you away from your goals and learning to say, “Not right now.”
Why Wait? Start Now
Protecting your peace shouldn’t be a New Year’s resolution, it’s a lifestyle. Just like eating healthily or exercising, it’s daily practice. Don’t wait until January 1st to start setting boundaries and prioritizing your well-being. Begin today. The way to peace is about creating habits that align with your goals and values. It’s about walking into 2025 with clarity, focus, and a renewed sense of purpose. You deserve a life that is free from unnecessary stress, drama, and negativity. Make protecting your peace a priority now, so you can enjoy the benefits of a tranquil and fulfilling life.
How do you protect your peace? Share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear what’s working for you.