Peace-of-Mind Acts
Peace-of-Mind Acts
Jared and I recently found a small lump on the top of Sullivan’s head. We discovered it because he had fallen, but Jared and I only heard his fall; we didn’t see it because we were turned away from him.
For several days, we assumed this lump was a result of his fall. We assumed it would decrease in size as it healed, as well. But, after several weeks, it hadn’t gone away or decreased in size. We began to worry.
We decided to call Sullivan’s pediatrician to express our worry. She asked us to come in for a visit the same day we called. She said, “Let’s call this a ‘peace-of-mind visit’”.
Her words alone brought me immediate comfort. When she said, “Let’s call this a ‘peace-of-mind visit’”, I heard, “Sullivan is likely healthy and well, but let’s connect in person to bring ourselves peace.”
We went to our appointment and heard what any parent would hope to hear. The small lump on Sullivan’s head is very normal, and we can free ourselves of any worry. It is very likely a part of his skull, or his suture, and we simply discovered it for the first time when he fell.
When we left his pediatrician’s office, we went to music class where he danced and sang more expressively and loudly than ever before. I sat back and watched as I filled with gratitude for my healthy and well baby boy. A “peace-of-mind visit” was exactly what we needed.
Since our visit, I’ve felt inspired to pay attention to small action steps that may simply bring me peace of mind.
Is there a cookbook recipe I might want to retest for peace of mind?
Is there a text message I might want to send for peace of mind?
Is there a question I might want to ask for peace of mind?
Is there an appointment I might want to schedule for peace of mind?
Sometimes, we need a “peace-of-mind visit”, don’t we? I hope we each follow through on them when they call to us.
Throughout this new year ahead, I wish you thin slices of peace and small action steps that lead to them.
Peace-Of-Mind Acts was written on October 21, 2022. It is the final of five essays from 2022 being shared December 22, 2022 and New Year’s Day. You can read the first, The Pursuit of Complexity, the second, A Cumulative Mindset, the third, Pin It Down, and the fourth, The First Try, on our New Feed here.
Each essay was first available to Wiley Subscribers. You can subscribe to The Wiley Subscription for first access to all essays here.
Portrait by: Zachary Gray