Episode Overview:

In this insightful episode of 5 Year You, Andrew and Catherine share how to prioritize peace in a world that constantly demands more. They explore why peace feels elusive, the role of boundaries, and how societal pressures encourage busyness instead of calm. With practical tools and personal stories, they discuss how to cultivate inner peace, set boundaries, and eliminate the stressors that disrupt a calm life. Whether it’s during the holidays or everyday life, this episode will help you build a sustainable sense of peace amidst chaos.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Elusive Nature of Peace: Why peace isn’t a default state and must be actively cultivated in today’s culture.
• Boundaries and People Pleasing: How saying “no” to others often means saying “yes” to yourself.
• Internal vs. External Peace: Andrew’s take on why peace starts within and radiates outward.
• The Cost of Prioritizing Peace: How setting boundaries may ruffle feathers but is essential for mental and emotional well-being.
• Breaking Free from Social Media Traps: How digital habits disrupt your calm and what to do about it.

Actionable Steps for Listeners:

1. Identify Peace Disruptors: Take stock of what steals your peace—whether it’s social media, overcommitments, or people-pleasing habits.
2. Set Clear Boundaries: Practice saying no to requests that drain your energy and don’t align with your values.
3. Declutter Your Space and Mind: Simplify your environment and offload mental clutter through journaling or mindfulness.
4. Digital Detox: Limit screen time and unfollow accounts that make you feel inadequate or stressed.
5. Create Peaceful Habits: Develop small rituals like gratitude journaling, breathwork, or soft lighting to promote calm.

Quotes:

Catherine’s Aha Moments:

• "Peace isn’t handed to you—you have to cultivate it, insist upon it, and believe you deserve it."
• "The cost of peace is often uncomfortable conversations and boundaries, but it’s always worth it."
• "Social media has a way of turning contentment into comparison."
• "People pleasers prioritize everyone else’s calm but destroy their own in the process."
• "Visual clutter is mental clutter. Simplifying your environment creates space for peace."

Andrew’s Aha Moments:

• "Peace is a muscle—flex it daily until calm becomes your default state."
• "You can choose peace instead of chaos at any moment, but it starts with awareness."
• "The people who push back against your boundaries are the ones who benefited most from you not having them."
• "Start with small habits, like breathing deeply or listening to spa music, to train your nervous system to embrace peace."
• "You can’t control the world outside of you, but you can control the world within you."

Glimmers of the Week:

• Andrew: Discovering the profound benefits of a 75-minute breathwork session, feeling energized and lighter afterward.
• Catherine: Cherishing a rare and beautiful week of one-on-one time with her dad, soaking in every moment with gratitude and presence.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – A deeper look into how stress impacts the body and mind.
• Headspace App – A tool for guided meditations and mindfulness practices to cultivate calm.

Connect with Us:

• Visit Five Year You to sign up for emails from your future self and start building a peaceful life.
• Follow us on Instagram @fiveyearyou.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical or emotional concerns. Some links mentioned in this episode may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work! Thank you for tuning in! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs more peace in their life. See you next time!