Life Tapestry

Life Tapestries | Intentional Living, Faith, & Creative Reflection
Not everything we feel has a place to go—this is one.

Tag: peace

  • Why the Heart Needs Peace, Not Just an Exit

    A woman sitting peacefully overlooking a calm lake at sunset, symbolizing inner peace and emotional healing
    We often spend so much time learning how to say goodbye that we forget to truly learn how to walk away. It is one thing to close the door; it is another thing entirely to leave the key behind and stop listening for the ghost of a knock.

    The weight weighs me down, and the fall has made it even harder to stand tall. The world I see has taken a drastic turn—there is no love, no empathy, no beauty. All I can see is bitterness, negativity, and an ugly truth that repeats itself over and over again. It leaves me dissatisfied with the dawn of morning, the heat of noon, and the quiet of evening. Even the rainbow feels black and colorless.

    I know I am in no place to compare my pain with anyone else's. What lies within you and me, what we have gone through, the experiences we carry—each is different, each deeply personal. And yet, no matter what, there is always a purpose to our existence.

    We are told, "Before you were formed in your mother's womb, you were known." That thought consoles me. It reminds me that I am seen, that I am understood, and that I am not alone.

    There are moments when rationality slips away, when nothing makes sense, when even our own thoughts feel unfamiliar. In those moments, pause. Slow down. Take a breath. Sit in stillness. Meditate or pray. Speak to yourself gently, or speak to God—just don't rush into the next step while your heart is still trembling.

    I am learning this slowly. It didn't happen overnight, but I am trying. And I find that even the bitter melon does not taste as bitter anymore. There is beauty and love all around me—things I once overlooked, things I took for granted. Colors are waiting to be seen, joys waiting to be felt, and a quiet kind of peace waiting to be chosen.

    Perhaps the heart does not need an escape. Perhaps it only needs rest.

    To stop chasing what hurts. To stop holding on to what has already let go. To stand still long enough to remember that peace was never somewhere far away—it was always something we had to allow.

    And maybe healing is not about becoming someone new. Maybe it is about returning to softness, to faith, to the quiet strength that was always there.

    So if today feels heavy, let it be heavy—but do not let it consume you. You are allowed to pause. You are allowed to begin again, gently.

    Because the heart, more than anything, does not need an exit. It needs peace.

    I’d love to hear your thoughts—
    What helps you find peace when everything feels overwhelming?

    This is a safe space—be kind to yourself and others.

  • Why do I build dream castle?

    Daily writing prompt
    Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?
    View all responses

    Building a dream castle is the best dream I can ever have. I consistently dream about my future self and envision how it would unfold. Rarely do I reflect on the past, especially when it doesn’t seem to contribute to my future growth. I revisit the past only when I want to reminisce about joyful memories or extract lessons and experiences that can guide me in life.

    My focus on the future makes me resilient and positive. I might shed tears today and work hard, all in the pursuit of a brighter tomorrow. This positive outlook fuels my determination to endure challenges in the present for the promise of a better future.

    I’m confident that many people share the dream of a better future and are eagerly anticipating a more fulfilling life. However, I recognize that some individuals find it difficult to forget the past and let go of its hold on them. My heart goes out to them, even though I may not fully comprehend their struggles. I sincerely hope that they find solace and peace soon.

  • What Christmas is to me!

    Today is the 23rd of December, and 18-20 years ago, my siblings and I were filled with excitement as Christmas approached. It was a time when we could celebrate at home with our parents, indulge in delicious food, and adorn ourselves in new dresses. The festivities included eagerly anticipated afternoon games where we received prizes and the frequent treat of Gur Chini (jaggery) every few hours.

    Our parents, however, were seldom present at the community ground festivities. My mom was occupied with church and community work, while my dad had his own responsibilities, making appearances during the celebration quite rare. We found solace with our second and third aunt (yet third Aunt won’t be there this year at the community ground, as she is in a better place now), who took care of us, treated us to local delicacies like Sinju, and occasionally bought special treats from the shop.

    Despite not having the opportunity to wear fancy dresses or join our friends, the bond between my sisters and me strengthened. I took on the role of the big sister, responsible for their well-being in the absence of our parents. Occasionally, our peer groups would ridicule us for not being part of the larger group or not dressing as smartly. This, along with mom’s peculiar restrictions, further distanced us from our peers.

    This Christmas tradition continued until I started my degree studies. Since then, my participation in the festivities dwindled due to exams, short holidays requiring expense savings, and later commitments in the workplace. Initially, I didn’t mind being away during Christmas, but as time passed, I started feeling homesick and longed to be with my family.

    This year, being far from home, I anticipate spending most of my time inside the four walls of my room. My prayer is that, regardless of our locations, we will welcome Christ into our hearts and let His presence dwell within us. May we learn to submit to His care and be instruments of His love, no matter the circumstances. I extend warm wishes to everyone for a Merry Christmas.

  • Is it Truly as Simple as ABC?

    Is it truly as simple as ABC, as the saying goes? I distinctly remember struggling immensely to learn how to write the ABCs. It’s not just my own experience; observing young children grappling with the task underscores the difficulty of mastering the English alphabet. This challenge persists even among educated individuals well-versed in literature. So, why do we say “as easy as ABC” and not “as tough as ABC” or “as complicated as ABC”? The bias in this world, from the beginning to the end, is a perplexing aspect.

    As one of my college professors, particularly from the Political Science department, used to emphasize, “We are born with politics, live in politics, and carry it until our last day.” These words echo a truth about the omnipresence of politics in our lives.

    Allow me to express a few lines in my dialect, “Khipana khipali machong mei manem mei mana kachi li khipana ya chi paira? Ringkapha mirin wui shongza khangakhui hili kachipana kachangkhat eina ngakhui zatli doh? ” This underscores the challenges and intricacies embedded in existence.

    Indeed, it’s a competitive world where survival of the fittest reigns. Among billions, a handful live seemingly indifferent to the value of life. Half the population believes money is everything. Meanwhile, billions struggle tirelessly to bring sustenance home, while some grapple with the pressure of overcoming debts, and others rest beneath the weight of debts accumulated from people.

    Life, in its essence, is both unfair and just. The promises of truth prevailing, peace reigning, and justice being rewarded sound comforting, envisioning better days. Yet, are these promises mere notions one must patiently await to manifest in their lives?

    Unanswerable questions loom large, a shared uncertainty. Above all, the beacon that people ardently pursue is that of HOPE. It conquers the atrocities of life, washing away the bitterness of endless tears. I hope, one day, a brighter future will dawn.