With a new year comes an opportunity – not to set resolutions but to use our imaginations to reach our goals. Resolutions lead to failure – it’s well documented. But if we want change in our lives, there are other ways. I like setting a theme for the year. It becomes a reminder, at times [...]

Many of us walk around every day full of anxiety, not realizing that it stems from beliefs so engrained they’ve become our own personal myths. These myths develop early as teachings from our elders – lessons they believe will help us survive. Unfortunately, it turns out that while they might appear helpful, at least at [...]

Last week I asked readers what they’d like to hear about. The overwhelming choice: Understanding insanity – where it comes from and how to circumvent it. So what is insanity? We’re not talking the textbook definition here – the state of being seriously mentally ill; madness —Oxford Dictionary Although sometimes it may feel like this! [...]

This week I asked readers to list the main obstacle to their peace of mind. These were the winners, in order of “popularity.” Anxiety Not accepting everything exactly as it is – a.k.a: Believing “I” am in charge Uncontrolled reactions Insanity (however you define it) Dissatisfaction with circumstances Negative self-talk Obsessive thinking Not living in [...]

This week Insanely Serene joined Facebook. I felt an urge to engage on a more regular basis with serenity seekers, and I’m just not writing enough blog posts (so sorry, my dear readers)! It was such a good idea. It’s like the creativity dam broke and serenity started flowing! The page invites commentary, video, images, [...]

I’ve shared with you before that my lifelong goal has been peace of mind – an escape from worry, relief from constant anxiety. In my years pursuing peace, I’ve discovered this: each of us must carve a path for ourselves. No matter how appealing someone else’s methods or process, we must still make them our [...]

When a storm of life passes through, whipping up turbulence around us, we feel no control over our destiny. Things are happening to us, and it seems the best response is to be defensive. Reacting to the storm out of fear, we may lash out to push through it or turn inward to protect ourselves. [...]

Having made a PACT to Practice Attitudes and Characteristics using serenity-building Techniques, let’s consider Characteristics. Previously on Insanely Serene we explored the personal traits that determine our ability to change ourselves, Do You Have What it Takes to Change? Check the 10 Personal Traits. These are important elements in creating peace of mind on a [...]

Last week we looked at attitudes (What’s in an Attitude? Only Peace of Mind) and how they affect peace of mind. Now let’s get down to brass tacks with practical examples in an area we all struggle with at different points – relationship conflict. Relationship conflict is certainly in the top 10 causes of stress [...]

Turkey isn’t the only thing to gobble today, and it’s not even the tastiest. As we celebrate the end of the fall and a bountiful harvest, the best thing on the menu is gratitude. It’s better than food for so many reasons: It’s an attitude anyone can choose at any time – no matter what’s [...]