September 21st was celebrated as World’s Peace Day and even though it went under the radar of many, I believe its significance is of utmost importance, more so, due to the current state of the world.

Peace Day should not just be acknowledged for a 24-hour period, it should be every day and as cliché as that may sound, peace is needed more than ever now.
In the midst of the chaos around us—a global pandemic—peace is at a distance. When death seems more familiar than ever, social interactions with our loved ones can be a threat to our health. Adding to the dilemma, our everyday routines have dramatically changed. How can we still have peace? Is it still attainable?
Truth is, if we aren’t at peace with ourselves then we can never have it elsewhere. We won’t be able to have it in the midst of a pandemic, after the virus is gone or in another lifetime. It starts with you. On that note, Covid-19 is just but one virus we’re faced with.

Let’s not forget the racial divide that’s been happening since the month of March. Our country has been torn apart during the election period, the racial tensions and a killer virus, so excuse me as I defend the citizens of my country for not being at peace with themselves—myself included.

Peace may start with oneself, but it surely should not end by the hands of another, the way it was during these past months.

The inability to find peace is very common in these times. It is saddening, but true. People are anxious, frustrated, confused and even angry like never before. We cannot ignore all that is happening around us, but the first step to finding inner peace is to change our mindset.

It’s good to be a realist, but sometimes it’s also good to look at what can be, instead of what is. If we change our perspectives and try to think positively, once in a while, we just might be able to find a bit of comfort.

I believe our policy makers and overall governing bodies also have an integral role to play in promoting peace. At the end of the day, our citizens should be able to live in an environment that is safe and stable—one which gives off a good vibe towards their mental and physical wellbeing. This can only be done if the gatekeepers at the top maintain order, which will ultimately bring forth the peace we all so desperately need.

Maintaining peace during a pandemic is dependent on us and how we relate to our immediate environment. These two things need to be stable and at equilibrium. Take that break from social media, stay away from those toxic friends and families, start that hobby you’ve always contemplated—do what you must to find your balance; to find your peace.
It’s a word that seems familiar, but yet it seems as if we’re far from truly achieving it. With that in mind, believe me when I say that achieving peace while simultaneously living through the apocalyptic 2020 is highly possible. Yes, it is, but only if you are determined to find it and when you do, do not forget to share it with the rest of the world.