Peace may seem like a strange topic for a newsletter about building professional paths. But peace can be fundamental to making wise choices and seeing opportunities with clarity.

We find ourselves at the end of another year. And whatever you celebrate this season, these long nights are a time to rest, hope for light and longer days, and reflect on what has happened in the past year.

I wish you peace.

Set down your worries for a day or two and rest. Give yourself a few slow days to restore your body and soul. Reconnect with what's most important in your life before jumping into all the plans for the coming year.

If you're between jobs, I hope you can find some peace in your situation accepting what is and knowing all things change. You'll find new opportunities, new peers, and new applications of your valuable talent and experience. It may take time, but things will change.

If you didn't accomplish every goal on your list, I hope you celebrate what you did achieve. I hope you know you're leaving this year with more experience and wisdom under your belt. You aren't the same person you were in January, friend. Give yourself credit and appreciate your courage and ambition.

If you're struggling with a manager, a peer, a friend just know that every relationship brings a learning opportunity. You don't need to change them. You can accept them as they are without approving of them or keeping them in your life. You deserve respect. Resolve to fill your life with those that respect you in 2023 and beyond.

If you struggle with calm times, take notice. Trauma can disturb our peace. A history of trauma can make calm, simple times feel unsafe. Instead of being at peace, calm moments signal you to be on guard for the next blow up or drama. Notice your relationship with slower, quiet times. If you’re unable to be at peace, that may be worth investigating in the coming year.

Peace is undervalued in our culture. I suspect that peace doesn't keep people scrolling, or buying, or tuning in for the next episode because peace is being okay with what is.

When you’re at peace you don’t need anything more. You don't need to be more. You're good.  

Why is peace important?

• Peace is accepting what is.
• With clarity or acceptance, we can make wise decisions.
• With rest and distance, we see things as they are.
• From that place of stillness we can choose how to engage.
• We become responsive and thoughtful. Consciously choosing our next steps in life.
• With peace, we’re good as is and can appreciate ourselves.