HOW YOU CAN FIND PEACE AND REST IN THE DAY-TO- DAY An Interview with Erin Loechner
BY RUSSELL FELLOWS
What is the secret to a peaceful , happy life ?
We might agree that these words mean different things to each of us , and might even mean something different to us on different days . Still , evidence shows that a peaceful , happy life eludes a great many of us and we ’ re chasing after it with any tool or advice we can grab .
But what makes a happy life ? Is it a promotion at work , or that dream career that explodes our creativity ? Is it the latest gadget that promises to ease our day-to-day tasks and free up some spare time to spend how we wish ? What about the latest fashions , the big bank account , trips to a secluded tropical island , mountain climbing , swimming with dolphins , or , or , or . Or do we need to flip the script ? The minimalist life that declutters our spaces so we can breathe . Organic diets that detoxify our bodies and add years to our lives
and spring to our step . The taste of experience over material that enriches the lives of our children . Is it an attitude of gratitude ?
Let ’ s be honest . Bookstores do not lack in self-help guides and better living testimonials . In Western society at least , I cannot speak with authority on what it may be like in other cultures , we do not lack in advice . Everyone from our pharmacist to Aunt Betsy or Grandpa Joe is more than willing to impart their wisdom and tell us what the secret to life is .
If you ’ re like me , you might be a bit jaded to all the advice by now . A little overwhelmed .
But , if you ’ re like me , you also find that sometimes you need to stop and listen . Sometimes wisdom comes from a loved one who , if you really do want to be honest , has seen a thing or two . Sometimes wisdom comes from a place you never expected , too . Another honesty check here , and yes I ’ m overusing the word honest – bear with me , it ’ s the best word to use right now – honest . I don ’ t usually read self-help books . Rarely do I read nonfiction at all . I ’ ll read a quick blog or article from time to time , but an entire book that isn ’ t fantasy , sci-fi , or thriller ?