Being Black, A Woman & Why & How I Have Peace

We must learn how to live in the space of inner peace in our everyday lives. This takes consistent, conscious effort because I know so many black women are hurting and sad, and we don't easily express our heartache or show our wounds. 
Susan L. Taylor

 I have peace. I told a total stranger on Twitter that I was going to write about how to have inner - peace. Because getting it isn't easy. It takes work! It takes dedication and a willingness to walk away from anything and anyone that will not take your peace seriously. The question is always "How do I gain and keep my peace?" But the real question is: What are you willing to do to get peace? Seriously! Who and what are you willing to give up to have peace? I can only speak as a Black Woman. It's who I am. And what I know is that as  African-Americans we have been inundated with trauma. Day after day, story after story, through film, books, etc. trauma is disseminated and consumed. Trauma, in regards to African - Americans has become an "entertainment" of a type. On the local news and on the internet, it has become common to see Black and Brown bodies being beaten or dead. I finally got to the point where I said: ENOUGH! I had to ask myself " Why are you taking part in this?" And not only are you watching it, ingesting it, but also trying to repress the trauma? It won't work. My first step to inner peace:
Expressing my pain and anger. Back in the day, I always tried to hide my tears. My tears seemed to make other people uncomfortable. I learned that this wasn't my issue. I will cry and shout! I will vent. I will go on tirades and if you can't handle it you have the right to walk away. 

 If anything interferes with my inner peace, I will walk away. Arguments with family members. All that stuff. None of it matters. 
Shirley MacLaine

So I go back to the question that I asked in the first paragraph: What and who are you willing to give up to have inner peace? I made the decision, at around 35 years old, that I was done watching the news. Yup! Went cold turkey and never turned back. I heard a gasp from the crowd! No worries, there is always someone willing to tell you bad news. It's up to you if you are willing to listen to it. I am not. My second step to inner- peace: I do NOT engage in gossip, spread gossip or bad news, or hang with those that do. I try and help those who want help. But those who choose to complain and yet never make moves to change? They have no use for me. Recognize the ones that are addicted to drama and trauma and be okay with stepping away. 

 There's so many things that life is, and no matter how many breakthroughs, trials will exist and we're going to get through it.  
Mary J. Blige

 "There's so many things that life is." I love how she says that because it is true! I feel it's my duty, as a responsible Human Being, to tell you that if you so choose, you can be happy and peaceful. My third step to inner - peace: Choose it. How we feel, what we take into our minds and our bodies, where we go, and who we go with, is our choice. Free will. As I have stated before, I have rules that I set for myself to keep my inner peace: I don't go where I am not wanted and where I might be physically harmed. My choice. I don't spend my money where I am not wanted or respected. My choice. I surround myself with people that are moving forward and are willing to and are working on themselves. My choice. Yes, there can be trials. Some you can't control, but most of them? Yes, you can! Who and what you choose to deal with is a choice. Your free will at work. Choose wisely. Wishing you peace and love, but mostly inner-Peace! 

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