Being at Peace When the World Feels Chaotic

By The Center for Creativity and Healing Staff

As we begin a new year, many of us are holding a mix of hope, uncertainty, and fatigue. The world can feel loud, unpredictable, and overwhelming, and it’s natural to search for ways to stay grounded when so much feels out of our control. At the Center for Creativity and Healing, we believe peace isn’t about ignoring what’s happening around us, but about finding steady ways to care for ourselves within it.

This January, our entire staff came together to reflect on a shared question: How do we find and maintain peace when the world feels chaotic? What follows is a collection of personal practices, reflections, and grounding strategies from our clinicians, interns, and staff. Each voice offers a unique perspective, but all are rooted in the same belief: that small, intentional choices can help restore balance, connection, and calm, even in difficult times.

We hope these reflections offer comfort, inspiration, and practical ideas as you move into the new year.

Maria Curran, Director and Clinician

Humans are wired to focus on the negatives in our environment for survival.  In many circumstances, this is helpful, but sometimes it leads to feelings of significant stress and helplessness.  Our brains need help finding the positives, especially in our day-to-day lives. My decades-long coping device for this is to start most mornings with my journal and coffee, before anyone else in the house is awake.  I get out all my gripes, to-dos, my concerns, and any other stressors, and then I list at least three positives that happened in the past 24 hours.  Sometimes this last part takes a while, but I always feel a bit lighter afterwards.  Gratitude journaling is rooted in positive psychology and is a simple tool for reducing stress and negative energy.

Joey Barnes, Clinical Intern and Visit Facilitator

When the world feels too loud, overwhelming, or out of control, the most important thing I do to ground myself is intentionally disconnect from screens. When I take a break from my phone, turn off the TV, avoid the news, and pause scrolling on social media, I start to reconnect with myself and the true world around me. Constant exposure to distressing content keeps our nervous systems in a state of alert. This makes it much harder to feel calm or present. Instead, step away from technology and reconnect with yourself, nature, and the people around you. Spend some time in nature, with loved ones, meditate, exercise, go for a long walk, play a sport, cook a meal, read a book, or engage in anything you may enjoy that does not involve screens. These moments of intentional disconnection create space for regulation and clarity, allowing us to return to a cool, calm center. Even when the world feels chaotic, peace is something we can gently choose and cultivate from within. 

Ridgely Chapman, Clinician

Intentional relationships. Our connection with others plays a crucial role in our ability to maintain equilibrium. When the external world feels unpredictable and overwhelming, the quality of our personal relationships becomes even more significant. Engaging in intentional relationships calls for us to cultivate connections and nurture them with purpose and awareness. For me, this means prioritizing deep conversations over superficial exchanges and choosing to spend time with people who uplift, support, and inspire. I deliberately set boundaries with those who drain energy or propagate negativity, understanding that protecting my peace is a valid act of self-preservation and care. For me, intentional relationships are built on empathy, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to authenticity, which can create a safe harbor for human connection and growth. While we often can’t control the larger external world around us, we do have control over who we surround ourselves with. Being active, not passive, in my relationships with others helps me to maintain inner peace amidst external chaos. 

Kelsey Cahill, Clinician

In a world that often feels heavy with constant negative news and uncertainty, staying centered can feel challenging. Although we cannot ignore the world around us, it can be helpful to gently shift our focus back to what grounds us. Fred Rogers reminded us to “look for the helpers—you will always find people who are helping,” encouraging us to notice the quiet acts of kindness, compassion, and courage that exist even in the hardest moments. When I feel overwhelmed, looking for the good reminds me it is always present, even when it’s harder to see. Shifting focus to the things that remain good in our world, communities, relationships, and homes is something that helps me remain positive and hopeful during stressful times.

Another impactful reminder that helps me remain grounded is “be the change you wish to see in the world”—which brings me back to my circle of control. While we cannot fix everything happening around us, we can start with ourselves. By practicing empathy, modeling integrity, and instilling strong values at home, we create small but meaningful ripples of change. Peace doesn’t come from controlling the world; it comes from tending to what we can influence and trusting that those small acts of goodness matter.

Darabeth Freiberg, Office & Programs Coordinator

“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” — Jon Kabat-Zinn

When the world feels overwhelming, I try to keep things simple. I take breaks from things like the news and social media and focus instead on activities that feel calming and familiar—reading, journaling, doing puzzles, or working on creative projects that help me slow down.

I’m mindful of what helps my body feel steady, like drinking caffeine-free tea, cooking at home, and choosing light, feel-good shows. I also try to stay close to home, spend time with my pets and loved ones, and create routines that feel comforting rather than overstimulating.

For me, finding peace during chaotic times is about making small, intentional choices that support calm, creativity, and connection—both for myself and the people around me.

Christina Winters, Incoming Clinical Intern, Fall 2026

When the world feels chaotic, I return to small daily rituals that help my nervous system feel safe. Holding a warm mug, reading a few morning pages, or taking slow moments outside with my dog, Bowie, reminds me that I don’t have to move at the same pace as everything around me. These simple rituals act as anchors throughout the day, offering steadiness in the middle of uncertainty. As Thich Nhat Hanh taught, peace is cultivated through mindful presence, and even the smallest moments can become pathways back to calm.

At the Center for Creativity and Healing, we are deeply committed to supporting individuals, families, and communities through times of uncertainty and transition. If the world feels overwhelming right now, you don’t have to navigate it alone. All of our clinicians are currently accepting new therapy clients and visitation cases, and we would be honored to support you.

Center for Creativity and Healing | 4728 C Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209| Ph: 704-523-5567 | Email: officeadmin@tcfch.org | www.centerforcreativityandhealing.com | IG: @tcfchcharlotte

As we move forward into this new year, may we each continue to find moments of peace, creativity, and connection, both within ourselves and with one another.