Stop running away
from you.
I see you.

What is peace?
It begins with you…
right here, right now…
reading these words,
listening for something you can’t quite figure out,
searching for a peace you cannot find.

You try to scroll away
as you’re doing now…
but
--pause.

Ask yourself:
"Are you at peace with you?"
"Do you sleep through the night?"
"Do you love yourself without condition?"
"Have you forgiven the parts of you 
that you have hidden for so long?"
"Are you caring for your body, your mind, your spirit?"
"Or is stress slowly taking control,
and with it,
the headaches,
the aches and pains,
and the family burdens
that never seem to disappear?"

Maybe you are a woman longing for love
but meeting only disappointment,
crying out, “Oh men!”
Bitter, angry.

Maybe you are a man seeking stability
but finding doors closed,
crying out, “Oh women…” 
Hurt, bleeding.

But hear this:
Satisfaction is not handed to you from the outside.
Happiness is not guaranteed by circumstance.
Happiness is born within you,
not without.

Start with you…
and the right person will recognize you.
Start with you…
and the right partner will meet you where you stand.

You cannot condemn him
for the wounds others caused.
His actions were his alone, 
not a reflection of all men.

You cannot dishonor her 
for the pain someone else delivered.
Her choices were hers alone, 
not a reflection of all women.

You must move on.
The person who doesn't look
like you is not the problem.

Your workmates and classmates 
are not the problem.

Let go of your past.
Forgive your parents.
Forgive yourself.
Stop assigning blame for every failure.
Take responsibility.
Take charge.
Begin again.

And when life becomes difficult—
do not quit.
Everything good requires growth.
Growth requires challenge.
Challenge requires courage.
It is not easy…
but it is possible.

Respect him, and he will hear you.
Love her, and she will rise for you.
Be loyal to those who stand with you,
and they will stand with you 
when your strength thins.

So what is peace, you ask?

Peace is being at peace with you,
and harmony with your spouse.
Peace is gentleness with those you cherish.
and choosing intention over impulse.

Above all…
peace is a decision.
A practice.
And a way of living.

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Author Bio

Dr. Ivan Edwards is a multidomain figure at the intersection of medicine, military service, ministry, poetry, and the arts. His work explores healing, restoration, resilience, identity, and the strength of the human spirit shaped by faith.

Press

“His life reflects discipline, compassion, and creative expansion, woven through decades of service to patients, communities, and the greater human story.” — Daily Monitor, March 9, 2026