“In the midst of movement and chaos, maintain inner peace.” ~ Deepak Chopra
There was a time in my life when chaos seemed to prevail. I try really hard to keep things consistent, but it feels like the more I try to control things, the more they spiral. Sure, I had goals and dreams, but the pressure of not being “there” always wore me down.
I remember sitting on the edge of my bed one night, feeling exhausted. I just had a difficult conversation with a close friend in which every word was more jarring than the last. It’s not about the conversation itself; It’s about what it represents – a mirror to my own struggle with self-worth.
I was so busy chasing success, comparing my progress to others, and pushing myself to live up to society’s invisible standards, that I lost sight of what really mattered.
That night was my turning point. I realized that I no longer lived for myself – I lived for other people’s expectations. I felt like I was stuck in a loop, playing the same scenes over and over again, always waiting for the big “win” to be confirmed. It’s time for a shift, but the problem is, I don’t know where to start.
A lucky encounter that changes everything
Around this time, I had the opportunity to meet a hypnotherapist. I was skeptical, but their approach intrigued me and I decided to give it a try. That session put me into an alpha state—a state of deep relaxation and mental clarity that I had never experienced before.
Alpha State became my refuge. It feels like connecting to a deep part of myself, where my mind calms and I can simply yes. The hypnotherapist guided me to let go of control, trust the process, and embrace a state of calm. It was in this space that I realized how much of my life I had been living on autopilot, constantly reacting to external pressures.
This lucky meeting was not just an experience, but a turning point. I began incorporating practices that allowed me to enter an alpha state on my own, using self-hypnosis techniques and guided visualization to reconnect with my core. The more I practice, the more I notice a change in the way I approach challenges. I stopped reacting from a place of stress and started reacting from a place of clarity and calm.
The power of tranquility in chaos
That moment of silence became the key to everything. I realized that I had been running at full speed, not because I had to, but because I believed that slowing down would mean failure. But serenity doesn’t mean failure; This is clarity. Taking a step back, I began to see how much of my stress was self-inflicted—driven by unrealistic timelines, external comparisons, and the pressure to “have it all together.”
At that moment, I asked myself a question that changed everything: “What if I’m worth nothing? Does it have anything to do with my achievements?
I realized that taking a break from the constant pressure to do more slowly eased the pressure to do more. Connecting with our true selves through calm allows us to recalibrate and find peace without chasing validation. We can believe that we are enough, just the way we are, without having to “do” more to prove it.
break the cycle
Is my first step a practical step? Set boundaries with yourself. I first notice when I act out of fear or a need for approval. Whenever I feel the pain of “I’m not doing enough,” I remind myself to stop and take a deep breath. This simple shift allowed me to realize that my worth was something I was born with, rather than something to be earned or proven.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from this period in my life is that peace doesn’t come from achieving more; It comes from accepting where you are. I had to stop being on autopilot and start listening to myself. It means embracing my flaws, imperfections, and everything in between.
Practical tips for overcoming self-stress
1. Create a quiet space.
Set aside some time each day when you are not actively doing anything. only yes. This is an opportunity to step back from the noise of social media, emails, or to-do lists and reconnect with your true self.
Taking intentional breaks allows us to relieve the stress of constant struggle and remember who we are beyond our achievements.
2. Catch your inner critic.
Pay attention to your thoughts, especially when you feel overwhelmed. Are you too critical of yourself? If so, take a step back and try to reframe these thoughts with compassion.
Remember, kindness to yourself is not something you need to work towards—it’s a choice you can make at any time. Also remember: You are not your thoughts, and you are not your feelings. They are just fleeting experiences and not a reflection of who you are.
3. Shift from achievement to coordination.
Instead of measuring success by what you do, focus on how you feel that aligns with your values. When making decisions about your future, ask yourself: “Am I being true to myself?”
This can help you connect with your deeper purpose rather than chasing goals that may not truly fulfill you.
4. Celebrate progress, not perfection.
Give yourself credit for the small wins. Life is not about checking boxes; It’s about growth and evolution. Celebrate the journey you are on, learning and growing every step of the way.
5. Stay present.
When we focus too much on future outcomes, we lose sight of the present and ultimately miss out on life. Ground yourself in the here and now and practice living in the present moment. Whether through mindfulness, meditation, or just deep breathing, presence is your most powerful tool.
Journey back to yourself
Through this process, I discovered that true peace and contentment come when we no longer define ourselves by external success. It’s about knowing that you are enough now. This doesn’t mean giving up on growth or ambition—it means letting those things develop naturally rather than forcing them to fit into a specific timeline or expectation.
The lesson here? Your worth has nothing to do with your achievements or productivity. You don’t need to “prove” anything to anyone. Sometimes, the most important thing we can do is stop, reflect, and trust that we are exactly where we need to be.
About Krystal Rosa
Krystal Rosa is a cognitive coach, NLP practitioner and founder of the Mind Mastery Society. She helps individuals realign their goals and unlock their full potential. You can find more information about her work at krystalrosa.com.
