Finding peace when life gets noisy.

Yup, that’s what happened!

There I was, through airport security, ready to head home after a beautiful weekend of rest, relaxation, and replenishment.

I reached into my bag for my noise-canceling headphones.

Nothing.

Checked again.

Darn it! They’re sitting on the nightstand at my cousin’s house.

Now, I know this isn’t a big deal in the grand scheme of things. But here’s something about me.

As I’ve gotten older and flown less, airports have become a little overwhelming. The noise, the crowds, the constant movement, everyone’s energy. It’s a lot!

My headphones and gospel music have become my little sanctuary. They help me quiet the outside world, regulate my nervous system, and reconnect with God’s grace.

And today? My sanctuary was sitting on a nightstand on Martha’s Vineyard!

Okay, Plan B. Earplugs.

Then the announcement came.

Flight delayed. One hour.

Then another hour.

Seriously?

Just hours earlier, I was walking along the ocean, breathing in the salty air, listening to the waves, feeling grounded and completely replenished.

I just wanted to ease back into reality, not jump in headfirst!

And it got me thinking.

How often does this happen?

We take that much-needed vacation, enjoy a quiet weekend, or finally give ourselves permission to rest.

Our shoulders soften. Our breathing slows. Our minds quiet.

We begin to feel like ourselves again.

And then life happens.

The flight gets delayed. The phone rings. Someone needs something. The responsibilities return.

Suddenly, that peaceful feeling seems miles away.

But what if peace isn’t something we leave behind when vacation ends?

What if it’s something we learn to carry with us?

As a coach and bodyworker, I often talk about recognizing our triggers, listening to our bodies, and regulating our nervous systems.

And today, I get to practice what I teach!

Notice the tension in my shoulders.

Acknowledge the frustration.

Slow my breathing.

Remind myself that I can’t control the flight schedule, but I can choose how I respond.

And invite God into the noisy moments, not just the peaceful ones.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Maybe stillness isn’t always about what’s happening around us.

Maybe it’s about what we cultivate within ourselves.

Something to Ponder 🌿

Have you ever returned from a wonderful getaway only to feel immediately swallowed up by everyday life?

How do you ease yourself back into your responsibilities?

Do you give yourself room to transition, or do you jump right back into doing all the things?

How are you caring for your nervous system in the space between rest and responsibility?

As for me, I’m sitting in an airport, practicing patience, breathing a little deeper, and reminding myself that the peace I found beside the ocean doesn’t have to stay there.

And yes, next time I’ll check the nightstand!

Peace isn’t the absence of chaos. It’s learning to stay connected to yourself and to God in the midst of it.