Despite seeing peace as an endpoint, I also saw it as something passive; after all, that’s why I

was so stressed: I had so much to do.

I’ve since realized that peace is always available, and like any desirable state of mind, it
requires effort, even if that effort entails consciously choosing to be still.

Sure, our circumstances affect our mental state, but they don’t have to control them, not if we
make tiny choices for our well-being.

It seemed like something I needed to chase or find—definitely not something I could experience
without dramatically changing my life.

I needed to work less, relax more, and generally revamp my circumstances and relationships in
order to be a peaceful person.