In my recent blogs and social media posts, I’ve been encouraging you to set aside fears, stop procrastinating and ‘get it done’. But there’s something else that’s extremely important – finding a balance. All extremes are bad, and if we are navigating life either by working too hard, or by not doing enough, we’ll end up miserable.
Most of us are juggling work, family, and the noise of the world. What if we stop for a moment and explore how to find peace in the midst of it all? I just recently learned that one of my favorite songs, “Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode, was released 35 years ago! I don’t want to get into how old that makes me feel, however, I was listening to it the other day and its title has become my unexpected mantra as I navigate the chaos of life while striving to reinvent myself and grow in my faith.
Growing Up Loud and Loving It
The 80s were my teenage playground—big hair, bold shoulder pads, and amazing music. Everything was loud, flashy, outlandish and fun! As a self-proclaimed social butterfly, I thrived in that vibrant environment. I could strike up a conversation with anyone, and my teachers’ only complaint? Too talkative. My extroverted nature was my superpower, fueling me through every class, study session, and party.
Fast forward to my media career, where adrenaline was the name of the game, I loved the collaborative buzz—leading teams, crafting creative campaigns, and feeding off the energy of connection. On the flip side, in my personal life, I was the family’s air traffic controller, orchestrating holidays, birthdays, and check-in calls. It was hectic, but I relished it. Or so I thought.
When the Noise Became Too Much
As I’ve reached midlife, something shifted. The world’s noise—crowds, notifications, the relentless rush—started to overwhelm me. I began to crave my alone time more often, and seeking silence, a stark contrast to my extroverted roots. As I analyze this new version of “me”, I’ve come to realize that society seems to have lost its sense of peace. People rush through life, glued to screens, missing the beauty of the present moment. Families at restaurants scroll on phones or tablets, disconnected from those right in front of them. The media—social, streaming, mainstream—bombards us, and the worst part is that we allow it to happen. We willingly open the door and let the chaos in without even realizing it.
This frenetic pace clashes with the divine call to stillness, where we’re invited to “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). The noise drowns out God’s gentle whisper, leaving us anxious and unbalanced.
Dose of Wisdom: The Power of Pausing with Faith
Here’s the truth: you don’t need hours to find peace. As a Catholic, I’ve learned that small, intentional pauses can connect us to God’s grace, even in the hustle and bustle of life. One of my favorite saints, St. Thérèse of Lisieux reminds us that holiness lies in the little things done with great love. Here are some ways you can weave peace into your hectic days:
- Reframe Your Perspective with Gratitude
Kids whining? Thank God for the gift of motherhood—some long for that commotion but never receive it. Boss piling on deadlines? Step back, pray for clarity, and tackle the challenge with a calm heart. Stuck in traffic? Instead of frustration, offer a quick prayer of surrender. As St. Paul urges, “Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Gratitude shifts your focus from stress to grace. - Breathe with Intention
We breathe all day, but how often do we notice it? Breathing is a gift from God, a reminder of His life-giving Spirit. Try this: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 1, exhale for 8. One cycle can center you, like a mini prayer that calms your soul. It’s a simple way to invite peace into the moment. - Pray or Meditate in the Stillness
Don’t worry about “doing it right”, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Your mind will wander – that’s normal! Acknowledge it, gently bring your focus back, and keep going. Just one minute of quiet meditation will make such a difference. Think of it as a workout for your soul. The more you practice, the easier it gets. - Make Time for the Gift of Time
I’ve said this before, I’ll say it again. Feel like you have no time? Track your day—every coffee run, every scroll. You’ll see how much time you do have. Offer that time to God, even in small doses. Time is sacred; use it wisely.
The Grace of Silence
Here’s the secret: a single minute of pausing, breathing, and reframing can change everything. In that quiet moment, you might hear the answers you’ve been chasing. For me, the best ideas, the deepest clarity, and even a sense of God’s presence come when I’m still. As I like to say, God speaks in the quiet; chaos thrives in the noise.
Embracing silence has helped me live in the moment. I notice the little things—a sunset’s glow, blue jays at my window, my mom’s orchids blooming—and I thank God for them. It sounds dreamy, but it’s grounding. It’s taught me to respond to life’s challenges instead of reacting in a panic. The alternative? Staying anxious and frazzled. No thanks.
Staying Chatty, But Led by Purpose
Don’t worry—I’m still the extrovert who can talk to a lamppost. But I’m more intentional now preferring edifying and meaningful conversations. I listen more, pause before I speak, and savor the quiet spaces in conversations. It’s deepened my relationships and I like to think that it’s made me a better person.
Your Challenge: Seek the Silence
Next time you’re in line or waiting at the doctor’s office, put your phone away. Notice someone struggling? Offer a silent prayer for them. Or close your eyes, breathe deeply, and find the calm within the storm. Let peace wash over you. Even in a noisy world, you can find the silence of your soul. Trust me – it’s life changing and a gift that transforms.
So, although the lyrics from Enjoy the Silence are not exactly about embracing the stillness in the noise of the world, I’m still taking a cue from the title itself. The chaos will always be there, the world will push us into a frenzy, but I’m offering another option. Find peace in the noise and you’ll feel so much better.
What’s the silence telling you today?
xoxo, Your Fellow Social Butterfly Turned Wisdom Seeker
