Mindful Life Changes: Weekly Affirmations For Midlife

70. Finding Clarity Through Chaos: Affirmations for Inner Peace and Balance

• Valerie Mekki • Episode 70

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Has midlife's circumstances, obligations, and responsibilities left you facing unresolved issues or problems? When there’s no solution in sight, it’s easy to fall deeper into despair, sadness, and anguish. In this episode, we explore three powerful ways to cultivate inner peace, even when life’s challenges feel overwhelming. From helping others to spending time in nature and immersing yourself in art and music, you'll discover how these simple actions can bring calm and clarity when things feel out of control. Through these practices, you’ll learn how to reconnect with yourself and find peace, even in the midst of chaos.


Join host Valerie Mekki as she guides you through actionable tips and an uplifting affirmation session to remind you that inner peace is always within reach. You’ll walk away with practical tools to ground yourself, shift your perspective, and embrace life’s moments with greater clarity and purpose.


Formerly known as the "Mindful Career Change Podcast," I decided to broaden our conversation to cover all life transitions, not just our careers.

Follow the show @mindfullifechanges and DM a question or comment about the life transitions you're going through too. I might answer your question in one of the episodes to help you and other midlifers navigate this everchanging and beautiful season of life.

OR

Connect with me on LinkedIn @valeriemekki

Speaker 1:

Today's affirmation. I trust that peace is always within my reach, no matter the circumstance. When you're stuck in a life crisis, feeling sadness or going through a midlife funk with no immediate solution in sight, it's easy to feel defeated. But instead of dwelling in anguish, there are three things you can do to rise above and find your inner peace again. Three things you can do to rise above and find your inner peace again, even if life circumstances remain unresolved. These three actions are help someone else, spend time in nature and immerse yourself in creativity. Each of these actions are powerful in their own way to connect with others. Nature and creativity Helpful reminders that, even when life's forecast seems dark and dreary, there are always clear blue skies above the clouds. Even if the time spent on these actions offer only temporary relief, the willingness to be open can be the shift that brings a new perspective or sheds light on even the most hopeless situations. Hello and welcome to the Mindful Life Changes podcast, where we dive deep into the challenges and transformations shaping our lives, from shifts in our roles at home and work to the transitions we navigate physically and mentally as we gracefully age. I'm your host, Valerie Mickey, a career change guide and mindfulness enthusiast.

Speaker 1:

Does it seem like midlife has brought an onslaught of stressful and challenging situations. Whether it's feeling stuck in your career, questioning your purpose or role in life, caring for an aging parent or dealing with a declining relationship, it can feel overwhelming when there's no clear end or solution in sight. It's easy to get swept up in the chaos and anguish, constantly dwelling on the situation, feeling like you're in a fog. I've definitely experienced these kinds of hopeless moments where it feels like the situation has eclipsed your life, casting everything in a dark shadow. I've found myself ruminating over the situation, almost torturing myself by leaning into the anguish rather than having faith that it will resolve itself, because in the end, they always do. However, in the midst of chaos, sadness and despair, it can be difficult to see even the faintest rays of light behind the dark clouds. However, now that I've survived some difficult life moments, like being laid off several times, changing careers after 40, dealing with a health challenge parent and relocating to care for my parents, I've discovered ways to find inner peace, even when everything around me feels overwhelming and hopeless.

Speaker 1:

These three actions are helping others, spending time in nature and immersing yourself in creativity. So let's start with helping someone else. Helping others can be a powerful way to shift your focus away from your own stress and sadness. When you step outside of your situation to assist someone else in need, you create a sense of purpose and connection. This act of kindness not only uplifts the person you are helping, but also provides you with a renewed sense of meaning and fulfillment. It could be as simple as reaching out to a friend or family member to check in on them, offering career advice or sharing words of encouragement with an intern at work. Also, let's not forget that helping someone doesn't need to be time-consuming or a grand gesture. It could be anything A random act of kindness, like paying for someone's coffee or complimenting a stranger. Your kind words or actions could make a world of a difference to someone else, while also shifting your focus away from your own worries and stress.

Speaker 1:

Number two be in nature. Nature has a unique way of grounding us, bringing us back to the present moment. The calming sights, sounds and smells can help reduce stress and anxiety, allowing you to reconnect with yourself. Spending time outdoors can restore your inner balance and help you find your center again In times of despair or overwhelming stress. Go for a walk at a nearby park or just sit on some grass and practice mindful breathing, or just sit on some grass and practice mindful breathing. If possible, maybe plan a day trip to the beach, a hiking trail or a garden to immerse yourself fully in the beauty of nature. And lastly, number three, immerse yourself in creativity. Engaging with art and music allows you to tap into the emotions beyond your current state, providing an emotional outlet and possibly offering a fresh perspective. Immersing yourself in someone's art and creativity serves as a reminder that there is still beauty and joy in the world, even in difficult times. Museum, attending a live concert or simply listening to your favorite music these activities can help elevate your mood and inspire a sense of peace and connection to something larger than yourself. Any of these actions can help ground you, bring a sense of meaningful purpose and cultivate inner peace, even when life's challenges remain unresolved. They can lift you out of the funk or prevent you from spiraling further, guiding you back to your center. From there, you can move forward with greater clarity of focus, ready to take on whatever comes your way next.

Speaker 1:

So, with that in mind, let's take this opportunity to engage in positive affirmation session, reminding ourselves that inner peace is always accessible and available whenever we need it. We just need to quiet our minds and shift our focus and invite it in. We'll start our affirmation practice by priming your mind and body so you'll be open to this affirmation. Take a deep and cleansing breath in and out, releasing any energy that doesn't serve you and your body or mind. Take one more cleansing breath in and out.

Speaker 1:

I'll begin by reciting the affirmation twice. While you listen to the affirmations, imagine you're writing the affirmation down on a whiteboard or you're watching someone write on the board for you. This will help with memorization. So let's begin. I trust that peace is always within my reach, no matter the circumstance. I'll repeat the affirmation again, but this time I want you to repeat it out loud to yourself so you can make a connection. I trust that peace is always within my reach, no matter the circumstance. I'll repeat the affirmation again and once again, say it out loud to yourself I trust that peace is always within my reach, no matter the circumstance. Now let's imagine and visualize yourself in a quiet park forest or on the beach. Immerse yourself in nature. Or imagine walking through an art museum or listening to live music. Imagine these scenes in full color. I'll give you a moment to visualize this as I repeat the affirmation I trust that peace is always within my reach, no matter the circumstance. I'll repeat it one last time and give you a moment to let it sink in I trust that peace is always within my reach, no matter the circumstance. When you're ready, slowly open your eyes. If you have them closed and if it feels comfortable to you, place your hand over your heart to help seal in the affirmation practice with self-love and care.

Speaker 1:

This affirmation is yours to recite and practice for at least 21 days, once a day. It's most effective before you go to bed at night or when you wake up in the morning before you start your day. To deepen your affirmation practice, consider making them STICKEY. This is an acronym that helps you craft more sustainable and effective affirmations. Refer back to episode one for more information on this method. Or you can write the affirmation down on a sticky note and place it on your bath, here or around your work area as a daily reminder that peace is always within your reach, or transform it into a mantra I trust that peace is within my reach, and repeat it while doing yoga, going on a walk or getting ready for the day.

Speaker 1:

Earlier, I mentioned grounding yourself in nature. If you're curious to learn more about this mindfulness practice, check out episode 46, where I walk you through its meaning and how to incorporate grounding techniques into your daily life for a greater peace and balance. There is no better way to develop a healthy habit than to setting yourself up with success. Subscribe to this podcast and bookmark this episode so you'll have it handy whenever you need a quick guide to this affirmation. If bookmark this episode so you'll have it handy whenever you need a quick guide to this affirmation.

Speaker 1:

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a family member or a friend who may be going through a difficult situation and is looking to find some inner peace, or show your appreciation by giving us a rating. Wherever you are listening to this podcast, your support will help other midlifers you are listening to this podcast. Your support will help other midlifers discover this content, so this podcast can grow and blossom. Thank you for sharing this time and space with me. Every moment you dedicate to being mindful is a step towards a more fulfilled and vibrant life. Keep embracing your midlife journey with an open heart and remember you are not alone in this. I look forward to our next mindful gathering. I'll talk to you soon.