As I was going through my phone to clear some memory space, I came across a video of my bridal march, circa ECQ days, April 2021. Although the farthest from our original plans, I will forever be able to claim that there was something most unique about my wedding. Walking into an empty church with my dad masked up somehow hit different seeing a video of the whole scenario five years later. There was something eerily beautiful and serene about the whole thing. It was a reminder to me that the brightest light can be found in the darkest of times — that amidst the chaos of the pandemic, was peace in our hearts, and that a most tumultuous and uncertain time yielded one of the most beautiful moments of my life.

I feel that now is more timely than ever to share this tidbit simply because of the turbulent times we live in. On top of that, there is drama, conflict and crisis that whether we like it or not plagues our lives. To say I see the world differently now as compared to how I viewed it before becoming a mother is putting matters rather lightly. As war breaks out in certain parts of the globe, and political conflict ensues, I cannot help but worry about what kind of world we are raising our children in. But rather than living in fear and worry, we control what we can, and make sure that we instill in them the values that will strengthen their will and faith. Values that will not be compromised, nor tainted by material world. Values that will not be easily jaded by power play, that will always lean, and cling on to faith. As a mother, the future is somewhat in my hands, and it is also up to me to teach my child that despite all the ugliness of reality, life can be, and indeed, is beautiful.

For one, it is a gift to be able to even just wake up. Let us never take it for granted to thank the Lord for another day – for us, and for our loved ones. Waking up happy, healthy, and being able to go to sleep at night with peace of mind are but added bonuses in the grander scheme of things. In a world that can be so loud, we must learn to quiet our world — to only let likeminded people in, and those with positive energy to share. We must learn to say “no” to things that will add noise to our calm. We must protect our peace, and fill our families with faith — the strong, unwavering kind.

To truly shut out the noise, we must also accept the ever-changing state of this world that we live in, because with acceptance comes content, and peace of mind. Acceptance is broad — whether it is working towards what we want to achieve, to the other extreme of just not caring enough, and/or simply letting things go — but it is a giant leap towards tranquility and serenity.

Quiet the noise around you, or at least turn it down. You will thank yourself.