Welcome!
Hi Everyone! My name is Courtney Bridges and Welcome to my blog, FromPaintoPeace. My blog will not only be about my story but some of the things I learned along the way (so far) and tips on how I am starting to learn how to achieve Peace in every aspect of life. My inspiration for the blog is to be able to share my story and hopefully along the way to be able to help someone in need.
Just a bit about me, I am a new wife, daughter, and sister. I am a believer in God and an avid churchgoer. I am a corporate worker but an aspiring entrepreneur. I am a chemical engineer. I am also a sexual assault and domestic violence survivor. I have experienced pain in multiple ways, physically, emotionally, mentally, but I am slowly coming to peace with my past. The dictionary definition of peace is “a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended” or “freedom from disturbance”. When I take a moment to look at both of those definitions, it takes me back in time to a place when I was at war with the world and every little thing was a disturbance. It was years of pain and destruction that it almost felt like peace was unattainable. Kind of like how the world is working right now, where almost every country is either disturbed or at war with the United States and the turmoil on our own soil is causing us to extinguish peace with our own neighbors or even family. Some of the tips I have learned over the years to keep my mental peace especially in times of turmoil are the following:
- Take some time to meditate
- If you are new to meditation or starting over, trust me you don’t have to sit there for 30 minutes. Try doing it for 5 minutes in the morning (yes, before your cup of coffee/tea) and clear your mind. I always count to 4 breathing in and out for the first few breaths and say my affirmation or bible verse until I hit my time limit for the day. Trust me, the more you meditate the easier it will get. (If you need a bit of a push, try Headspace. They have a great trial to get you started).
- Write down your top 3 goals for the day
- This keeps you focused on what you need/want to accomplish for the day. Try to make one about work, one that is personal and maybe the last one something to make you smile. I use a Leaders in Heels Journal to keep me on track of my goals for the day and for the month.
- Stay hydrated
- Having your water intake be at least 8 – 8 oz cups a day makes a world of a difference. Your skin starts to feel softer and plumper, your organs run smoother and so does your metabolism. If 8 – 8 oz cups seem to be a lot to start with, make a smaller goal such as 4 and move your way up. I use a Simple Modern water bottle to keep me on track, makes for easy counting.
Starting to implement the following tips above, help to start to develop a routine that can relieve stress and anxiety throughout your day, leading to feeling a bit more relaxed physically and mentally each and every day. Give them a try and let me know how it goes. 😀
13 Comments
Britt Garrison
Congrats on the new site! This community will be a blessing to many I’m sure. 🙏🏽
Rick Dansby
Courtney,
You’ve achieved things that I’ve quietly prayed for (yes your dad does pray) to bring happiness into your life.
I am so proud of the woman, daughter, sister you have become. Keep reaching for the stars darling !!!
Danielle Jackson
I loved this introduction to your blog, and I’m so excited for you to continue sharing your journey towards peace!
I recently discovered active meditation and it has been helping me so much. I am going to try using your advice to add an affirmation to this practice as well, since self-compassion is something I definitely need to work on still. ❤
Courtney
Thanks Danielle for reading. Affirmations have made my days a lot easier.
Maria Stewart
Proud of you Courtney! I’ll definitely stay tuned!
Courtney
Thanks Maria and Britt.
Ryan Corriere
Courtney – I love the blog and really liked the part about writing the top 3 goals for the day. I started doing this not that long ago, and it really has helped me become more productive, both professionally and personally.
I’m looking forward to the next post!
Courtney
Thanks Ryan. Don’t forget to subscribe to keep up with the posts.
Stephanie Montgomery
You are so powerful! I commend you and your new journey! Blessings are flowing your way❤.
Congratulations
Matt
Dope blog! Thank you for being courageous and sharing your story. People need to hear this! I’m excited to see how this blog grows and inspires others.
Courtney
Thanks Matt. Don’t forget to subscribe to keep up with the posts.
Zelda Hunt
Wow! Courtney, I had no I used of the obstacles you’ve conquered. It takes a lot of courage to open up. With your straight talk, honesty and tips this site will be a blessing to others. May God bless their blog and all that it reaches. Amen.
Janet Hu
Awesome Courtney! I can’t wait to read more ❤️