Finding Peace Within: My Journey of Changing Thoughts and Embracing Values

For most of my life, I’ve been in survival mode. Growing up in a home marked by inconsistency, I learned early on how to navigate chaos and uncertainty. Then, as an adult, I created a large family of my own, and much of my time was spent taking care of others—ensuring their needs were met, handling responsibilities, and simply keeping things afloat.

I often heard the advice, "You have to take care of yourself." But the truth is, I didn’t really know how. It sounded good in theory, but I felt disconnected from it. No one really explained what self-care looked like in practice, and when life was constantly demanding more from me, it seemed like an impossible task.

Similarly, I was often told that "happiness is a mindset." Yet, as I went through life, I struggled to fully grasp what that really meant. How could my mindset alone change my circumstances? I didn’t understand the road map to happiness—it was foreign territory. It felt like an unreachable place, one that others seemed to know how to navigate, but that I didn’t.

Embracing lightness, acceptance, balance, and freedom.

Over time, I’ve come to realize something important: the way we think and feel is often deeply tied to where we are in life—and more specifically, to what we’re ready for. And let’s face it, our past and upbringing shape us in ways we might not even fully understand. It’s easy to assume that everyone’s journey to happiness looks the same, but I’ve learned that isn’t true. Some people’s minds work differently, and not everyone finds joy or peace in the same way. Happiness is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing.

Recently, I’ve been making a conscious effort to change. I’ve started journaling, reflecting on my thoughts, and reading books that challenge my mindset. One of the books that has made a huge impact on me is Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life by Dr. Wayne Dyer.

Interestingly, I had purchased a copy of the Tao Te Ching several years ago, but I never really dove into it. I knew it was filled with wisdom, but it felt too distant and abstract for me to grasp. What I appreciate about Dr. Dyer’s approach is that he takes the complex teachings of the Tao and breaks them down into simple, practical steps that are easy to understand. He doesn’t just leave you with a philosophical idea—he offers tangible ways to apply these principles to everyday life.

What stands out to me in Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life is how Dr. Dyer emphasizes the importance of centering our lives around our values. He teaches that true happiness comes when we align our thoughts and actions with what matters most to us. That’s been an eye-opening concept for me—understanding that when we know our core values, we have a guide to navigate life and make choices that are true to who we are.

The practices Dr. Dyer introduces aren’t complicated. They’re about simplicity, mindfulness, and connecting with our authentic selves. I’ve come to realize that happiness isn’t something I can force or rush—it’s something that grows as I learn to embrace these practices, reflect on my values, and apply them consistently.

As I continue this journey, I’m beginning to understand that there’s no single path to happiness. There’s no magic switch you flip and suddenly feel at peace. But the more I reflect, the more I realize that the real work lies in understanding myself and my needs, acknowledging where I’ve come from, and practicing what resonates with me.

For anyone who’s been stuck in survival mode or who feels disconnected from the idea of happiness, I would highly recommend Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life. It’s not about being perfect or having everything figured out—it’s about being open to change, learning what makes you tick, and finding ways to center your life around what truly matters. If you’re looking for a starting point to reconnect with yourself, this book is a wonderful guide.