On most days, that would not be an accurate description of me. Instead, this would be more apt – “May today there be striving, doing, worrying about not doing enough and scolding myself for not doing x, y or z quickly enough or well enough.”

I’m very tired of living that way and St. Therese of Lisieux’s quote awakened a desire to change, but how? How do I change a mindset that seems as immutable as my race?

I realized that I can’t change overnight. The change would be gradual and most likely non-linear and more about allowing than force of will.

With that in mind, I took a small step in the direction of peace. I have meditated off and on for the last year. More off than on if I’m being honest. But, In the last few weeks, I have made the time to meditate every day and I can feel a small difference within. Sometimes it only lasts as long as the meditation, but that’s ok. I congratulate myself for doing it that day. With each passing day, I’ve discovered that the desire to have that quiet time becomes stronger. I never thought I would say this, but it actually feels like I now crave meditation.

So, I will continue to take this small step toward peace each day and trust that I am exactly where I am meant to be and trust that one day the words, “May today there be peace within” will be an accurate description of me… on most days anyway.

Patricia Wu