Creating a Peaceful Life
Cathie Leimbach • December 5, 2023
“Peace is Power”
Jeremie Kubicek
In his book, The Peace Index, Jeremie Kubicek identifies 5 aspects of our lives that greatly impact our personal peace. He explains how we can assess our Peace Index and take steps to conquer chaos and increase satisfaction in our lives.
Let’s take a look at the 5 Ps in Kubicek’s Peace Index:
- Purpose – The reason you get out of bed. Do you know what excites you, what makes you get up in the morning anticipating a wonderful day? How often do have a chance to exercise your purpose? If you aren’t living your purpose, what can you do to have a job, a hobby, or other activities that make your life feel purposeful?
- People – Those who make or break us. How much time are you spending with people who lift you up, who make you smile, and who you look forward to seeing? If you feel stressed by the people around you, how can you pursue relationships with others who could brighten your mood?
- Place – The spaces that supercharge us. Do you feel relaxed and recharged by laying on a beach by the ocean or by climbing in the Rockies? Are you happier living in a large city with lots of entertainment options or in a small town where you see familiar faces every day? Do you like to start your Saturdays with coffee in bed or at the local café? If your environment is not energizing you, what can you do to increase the time you spend in pleasant places?
- Personal Health – Choosing something better. How healthy is your diet? What exercise are you getting regularly? If you aren’t happy with your health, what is one personal health goal you would like to work towards in the next 6 months? What step can you take towards that goal this week?
- Provision – Nothing to Fear. Does your personal or household income enable you to have shelter, food, clothing, and funds for leisure activities? How stable is your income? If you are anxious about how you are going to pay your bills, what can you do to earn more money or reduce your expenses?
To determine your Peace Index, rate your current situation on each of the 5 Ps from 1 (very discouraged) to 5 (very satisfied). To increase your Peace Index, what is one step you can take this week to improve your P with the lowest rating?
When we make decisions and take actions to move towards a more peaceful and fulfilling life we will be happier, healthier, and more resilient. We will be experiencing more peace which gives us the power to achieve our goals and support others in achieving theirs. When you take steps to being more at peace how will both you and others around you benefit?
Take control of the chaos in your life. Do something that lights up your life so you can experience peace this holiday season.
As the year comes to a close, it’s worth pausing to ask a simple question: What brought you joy this year at work and in life? Joy doesn’t always arrive in big, headline moments. Often, it shows up quietly—in meaningful conversations, shared laughter, progress made, lessons learned, or the steady presence of people who support us. Sometimes joy is found in growth, sometimes in rest, and sometimes in simply getting through a challenging season with resilience and grace. Take a few minutes to reflect. What moments made you smile? When did you feel most connected? For what are you grateful? This reflection isn’t about ignoring the hard parts of the year. It’s about honoring the bright spots that sustained you through them. Recognizing joy helps us close the year with perspective and open the next one with hope. As the holidays approach, give yourself permission to slow down, savor meaningful moments, and share joy with others—through kindness, gratitude, and presence. May this season be filled with moments that lift your spirit, and may you carry that joy with you into the year ahead. 👉 Take a moment to pause this season—view the Reflecting on Joy one-pager and reflect on what brought meaning to your work and life this year. Wishing you a truly joy-filled Christmas season .
As you’re wrapping presents this season, it’s also a great time to wrap up your year with intention. The end of the year offers a natural pause—a chance to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the people who made a difference along the way. At work, we often move from one deadline to the next without stopping to say thank you. Take a moment to recognize your teammates. Maybe it’s the coworker who always had your back, or the leader who helped you stretch and grow. A sincere “thank you” or a short handwritten note can go a long way. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just genuine. The same holds true in your personal life. When was the last time you told a friend or family member how much they mean to you? Between holiday plans and to-do lists, it’s easy to forget that our presence often matters more than any present. Every year brings both highs and lows. As this one comes to a close, choose to focus on what went right. Celebrate the small wins and acknowledge the people who supported you through the challenging moments. So, while you’re taping up gift boxes, take a little time to wrap up your year with gratitude. Send the text. Write the card. Let people know they’re valued. After all, the most meaningful gift you can give is helping someone feel truly appreciated. Want more simple, meaningful ways to express appreciation—without overspending? 👉 View Sharing Joy at Work Without Breaking the Bank for practical ideas you can use right away.