Christmas 2008. Peace of Mind.
Finding that “peace from within” has been tough this year. With the economy in recession and so many people out of a job, my peace of mind has become a luxury – the one gift most wished for, yet most elusive. Normally I revel in the traditions of the holidays and the nostalgia that the season brings. But this year I have been more anxious about the future than ever, and sometimes have felt adrift…I have been worrying about my families’ health and welfare with my oldest brother suffering a major stroke, and my father in-law fighting cancer. And several of my family members have lost their jobs due to the recession…Peace of mind seems to have become a causality in 2008.
But then I think of my son Oliver spending Christmas in Africa this year, serving in the Peace Corps. Fortunately we have had the opportunity to talk and E-mail frequently. He tells us of the abject poverty where he lives, and the pervasive corruption throughout much of Africa. Yet Oliver is determined to make a difference, to be a part of the solution. He knows he isn’t going to change the world, but still works towards helping change one small part of it. His peace of mind remains unaffected by his circumstances, and through his brave example I have gained back a little of my own inner peace at this challenging time. I appreciate the idea that even a pebble tossed in a lake will make waves and exacts some change.
So that is what peace means to me this 2008 Holiday season – gaining back peace of mind and remembering that we all can make a difference. The Holidays should be a time to be thankful and reflect on what waves we can make in our own little part of the world. How we can give back for all that we receive. I thank all my Family for their courage, strength and perseverance this year, helping to remind me what is really important.
David Borzo, Blog Writer, Artist, Historian and more
