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Happy Wednesday Reader,

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As many of you embark on a tomorrow filled with family, food and conversations, I invite you to pause and consider this...what does it take to maintain your peace?

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A post-election holiday gathering can be interesting, and oftentimes fraught with family members on both sides of the proverbial aisle. These family meals can spark intense conversations, debates, and after this last election my guess is that opposing tensions run high. So what kind of experience do you want to have tomorrow? Let me share a little story...

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I remember as a kid if I went to my parents because I was mistreated or bullied, they often told me, "Gabby, you be the bigger one; you keep the peace; you be the one to walk away." I thought, are you kidding me?? WTF? So instead of heeding their advise, I'd go for the jugular. I learned how to verbally and physically fight to defend myself, and have my position heard at any cost. Over the years, I realized that being right was costing me too much. It also never left me feeling (or my relationships) any better. I used to think it was my job to right every wrong, defend every off-handed comment, verbally educate every man who made a misogynistic comment, and after many years of that exhausting way of life I decided my peace was more important than being right. That no matter how others acted or treated me; no matter what others said or thought, it was up to me to know my own value; honor my own self worth and know when and how to use my energy to communicate something important to me. I learned discernment and which relationships really mattered. I learned how to communicate my point of view without having to be "right" and allowing others to have their own thoughts and opinions too; even when they are diametrically opposed to mine.

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The truth is, I have learned how to navigate my life in a way where I maintain peace most of the time. Very little sets me off these days as I know how precious my energy is, and how to maintain peace (and chase joy) in a world of chaos. There are so many forces trying to divide us and keep us from loving one another. So I ask you, how do you want to spend your time and energy?

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One of the most critical skills is to master your own state of mind. The most successful people have strong practices to help them maintain a balanced mindset so they can continue to solve highly complex problems, live full lives and continue to grow through challenges to elevate to the next level.

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How to master mindset can come in many forms: breath work, meditation, movement, time in nature, talk therapy, somatic practices, and coaching, to name a few. Anything that helps you maintain peace of mind is worth your investment.

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So as you head into your tomorrow and the holiday season ahead, if tensions start to run high, try this favorite Gabby Bernstein mantra, "I choose peace instead of this" or another hack she often uses while touching her thumb to each of her fingers (starting with the index, touching a new finger for each word from pointer to pinkie) - Peace (pointer) - Begins (middle) - With (ring) - Me (pinky).

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Try it out, see how it feels. And if peace is hard to come by, chase some joy. That usually does the trick!

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Wishing you joy, peace and presence to all that's good tomorrow and everyday.

xo, Gabrielle

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P.S. - if you want to chat about coaching with me click here to book a call

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P.P.S. - if joining my Sustaining Joy group virtual coaching incubator launching in 2025 sounds fun, click here to get on the list.

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