For the past year and one month, I have been searching for peace among the chaos.

I can honestly say that almost, not every, but almost every day I woke up, before the pandemic, I whistled a happy tune. Sure I had ‘my stuff’’ and plenty of it, but I never let anything or anyone rob me of my joie de vivre. Why? Because it all would eventually pass and any situation would find a solution. That was before March 2020 and this is now, a year and one month later. Now I wake up every morning with a daunting feeling of loss; the loss to control my life. I feel stressed by the uncertainty and weight of these changes. I don’t feel at this time I will ever be the same. But I will not give up trying. I will stay tuned in to everything and consider my choices. Over time, I realize that adapting to this new reality is necessary, even if it is uncomfortable.

Today I am threatened by misguided and powerful people who want to change the American way of life. The impact of their actions extends far beyond me, affecting the very fabric of our shared humanity. My faith that goodwill wins over evil, honesty over lies, caring over neglect, justice over tyranny, law and order over disobedience, respect over disrespect has robbed me of a normal life. There is no peace in Elsewhere… life feels chaotic, and the turmoil of these times is ever-present. The truth is, accepting this reality is the first step toward finding any sense of calm.

Inner Peace

Inner peace is that gentle, steady feeling that allows us to remain calm and centered, even when the world around us feels like it’s spinning out of control. It’s not about escaping the chaos, but about finding peace right in the heart of it—about being able to pause, breathe, and feel a sense of calm in the present moment. For many of us, the journey to inner peace is ongoing, filled with ups and downs, and it requires patience, practice, and a willingness to let go of negative thoughts that no longer serve us.

Finding peace amidst chaos is not a destination we arrive at and stay forever; it’s a practice we return to, moment by moment, as life unfolds. When we nurture our ability to be present, we begin to notice a shift—a softening of anxiety and stress, a greater sense of well-being, and a deeper connection to ourselves and those we love. Inner peace gives us the strength to weather life’s storms, to respond rather than react, and to move through our days with grace. It is a gift we give ourselves, and it is always within reach, no matter what is happening around us.

My Fears

Last night before I said goodnight to my Ultimate Concierge, I blurted out, “This has been the unhappiest year and one month of my life. Living in Elsewhere has torn your optimistic, extroverted and ‘see the glass half full’ wife in half. There are days when I feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty and chaos, struggling to manage my emotions. I hope Elsewhere will not change me forever. He replied, “Don’t you worry, I will make sure the best is yet to come.” I smiled at his loving words, thanked him. Then, drifted off to sleep snuggled close to my two best friends (husband and pup), grateful for their unwavering support during these difficult times.

I feel the only way to survive when you feel despair is to center your thoughts on paper and hold yourself accountable. Sometimes, I write in my journal to process my emotions and gain clarity. You should examine the reasons for your despair and then carefully weigh your options before taking action. Decide to take control of your response, rather than letting circumstances dictate your feelings. You will walk down more than one path before regaining a fresh outlook so don’t give up on yourself. To deal with these challenging emotions, activate your brain to think positively and then make a plan you can achieve for your future. Remember, positive self-talk can help you manage your emotions and refocus your mind. I have worked hard to regain my optimism and rebuild my resilience, knowing that it takes consistent effort to move forward.

Regaining My Joie de Vivre Among the Chaos

Over the last year and one month, I have tried to regain my joie de vivre**.** To be honest, nothing has given me peace. I accomplished much in our home and in our kitchen. And, I cook almost nightly. The experience became better and better as I went along, and I found joy in the simple act of preparing meals and sharing them with loved ones.

I struggled and became a pro at working two TV clickers at one time. I can go from Infinity to Netflix to Apple TV as well as doing the easy stuff that one time was the hard stuff. Learning to navigate new technology was a real challenge, but overcoming these challenging moments helped me build resilience and confidence in my abilities.

I learned to pay our bills online when I was put to the test and became an Amazon shopping pro. For the first time, I grew an amaryllis bulb into a gorgeous flowering plant that I am nurturing with the hope that she will bloom again in the late fall, early winter. Embracing these new routines and skills has allowed me to adapt and accept change with an open heart.

I am at the end of the process of surprising you with a fresh Honey Good website. And, I started a private Facebook group, GRANDwomen with moxie that is trending to 2,000 women members. Through these experiences, I have gained new perspectives on personal growth and the importance of staying open to change.

My Ultimate Concierge and I spent hours together reading, watching series and documentaries, cooking dinners, and walking America. We had dinners out at least once a week with friends or alone, otherwise I cooked. We spent many evenings having dinner with my mother in our condo. Family has been an essential source of support, love, and comfort during these times, reminding me of the strength we find in our closest relationships. We often said we felt we were living in a world where life stopped and chaos reigned and thanked God we were on the same page politically. We adjusted beautifully to life within our four walls of our condo in the sky.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are like gentle anchors that help us find our calm center, even when life feels overwhelming. By focusing on the present moment—on the rise and fall of our breath, the sensations in our body, or the sounds around us—we can quiet the noise of negative thoughts and reconnect with our true nature. Deep breathing, a simple yet powerful practice, soothes anxiety and stress, inviting a sense of peace and relaxation into our lives.

When we make mindfulness and meditation a regular part of our routine, we begin to recognize the patterns of our thoughts and emotions. This awareness gives us the power to choose how we respond, rather than being swept away by the chaos. Even just a few minutes each day, spent in stillness and focused attention, can help us feel more grounded and present. In the midst of life’s challenges, these practices remind us that peace is not something we have to search for outside ourselves—it exists within, waiting to be discovered, one mindful moment at a time.

Learning Lessons

During this past year, I had a few disappointments from people. Much of the emotional impact came from my own expectations of how they would behave. Their actions resembled actions I witness on the news and it hit me that mankind can be more deceptive and unkind than I realized. The individuals did not put me in a funk; their actions did, and so did the fact that I must be leery of people’s intentions. After thinking long and hard I am thrilled to say, it is wise to be wisened to others’ actions. The lesson was painful, the end result, fruitful. Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of human nature and the importance of setting healthy boundaries. Recognizing these patterns in myself and others has brought a new level of awareness. There is a clear difference between how I used to trust blindly and how I now approach relationships with discernment. In reflecting on my growth, I realize that showing compassion to myself for past mistakes is essential. As a person who often strives to see the best in others, this journey has helped me better understand my own identity beyond external roles. At one point, I realized that letting go of unrealistic ideals was a turning point in my emotional resilience.

I filled our home with orchids and plants, played music most days, and Zoomed on a planned basis with 13 of my cousins. I learned my grandfather on my father’s side saved 126 Jews during the Holocaust and saw the photo of the group. Stories like his remind me how personal narratives of courage and resilience can inspire us through difficult times. I wish he had told me because I would have given him the biggest hug.

Truthfully, I am only touching the surface of what took place in my life over the past 13 months. With all that went on, I still have not found peace among the chaos. The uncertainty of the times and our unnatural way of life forbids it. Sometimes, I imagine what it would feel like to release all tension and experience true inner peace, even if just for a moment.

The Importance of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is one of the most powerful gifts we can offer ourselves on the journey to inner peace. Holding onto pain, resentment, or old wounds can weigh heavily on our hearts, making it difficult to feel truly at ease. When we choose to forgive—not to forget or excuse what happened, but to release the emotional grip of the past—we create space for healing and peace to enter our lives.

The process of forgiveness is deeply personal and often unfolds over time. It asks us to be gentle with ourselves, to acknowledge our feelings, and to embrace the present moment rather than reliving old hurts. By letting go of what no longer serves us, we free ourselves from the burden of negative emotions and open the door to a lighter, more peaceful way of being. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is a vital step toward finding peace, both within ourselves and in our relationships with others.

Finding Peace in Nature

There is something truly magical about spending time in nature—a sense of grounding, balance, and connection that soothes the soul. Whether we are walking beneath the trees, listening to the gentle lapping of water, or simply sitting quietly in a garden, nature invites us to be fully present, to let go of worries about the past or future, and to embrace the beauty of the moment.

Nature has a remarkable ability to ease anxiety and stress, helping us to feel more centered and at peace. The world outside our windows is a constant reminder that life moves in cycles, that change is natural, and that there is always something to be grateful for. By making time to step outside, breathe deeply, and notice the wonders around us, we nurture our inner peace and reconnect with the world in a meaningful way. In the embrace of nature, we remember that we are part of something larger, and that peace is always available to us, right here, right now.

May Is Here

But let us not forget that the month of May began on Saturday and it is sacred. Nature abounds in all its glory and brings an abundance of free happiness to all mankind. Spending time in nature is truly beneficial for my mental well-being, helping to reduce stress and restore calm. I am hopeful the month of May will bring me some peace. My mission is to inspire others to find hope and healing through the simple joys of life and the beauty of the natural world. I am going to visit city gardens and send my mother and my daughter beautiful flowers on Mother’s Day, and plant a dwarf olive tree in our condo, and send hummingbird feeders to some of my Grands, and walk my pooch on the lakefront, feeling the ground beneath my feet to stay connected and grounded in the present moment. As I appreciate all that nature gives me, I focus on the sights, sounds, and sensations around me, allowing myself to be fully present. If anything can bring me some peace, it’s nature. I trust that things will happen as they are meant to, and I surrender to the wisdom of the universe, knowing that a higher power is guiding me. Darling, I am smiling and feeling peaceful.

How do you find peace among the chaos? Let me know in the comments at the bottom of this page, I would love to hear.

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