Do you ever find that despite your best efforts to do what’s right, you end up entangled in drama that isn’t even your own?

I make a conscious effort to steer clear of negativity because I believe that once you allow even a sliver of negativity in, it opens the floodgates, unleashing a torrent of negative energy that leaves you feeling overwhelmed and caught in chaos.

Being the peacemaker among my circle, I often find myself being pulled into unnecessary conflicts. Lately, I’ve come to realize that this tends to happen when I’m steadfastly walking the path of positivity.

It’s a peculiar truth that the closer you get to inner peace, the more adversaries, both external and internal, seem determined to disrupt it. Phrases like “misery loves company” and “hurt people hurt people” hold a lot of weight because once someone senses they’ve affected your peace, they may try even harder to upset you.

I advocate relentlessly for the importance of preserving one’s peace. Whether it’s a family member, a spouse, or even a child, sometimes you need to create distance to safeguard your serenity. I’m certain I’m not alone in facing these challenges, so I’ll share that practices such as prayer, meditation, walks in nature, and journaling have all played a role in helping me maintain a semblance of peace.

Choosing your peace over unnecessary drama isn’t selfish—it’s self-care. Embrace the tranquility you’ve cultivated, and you’ll likely find yourself less entangled in strife as time goes on.

This was written by our contributing writer, Ranice C. Harper.