During last year’s annual business planning, market research indicated that 2016 would be quite challenging. I mentioned this in several blog and Facebook posts throughout the year. After a roller coaster year, both politically and economically, it’s obvious that the research was on target. 2016 was indeed tough. Even if you had a decent job and were financially secure, the year was down right hard.

Market research for 2017 indicates more of the same: More political strife, civil unrest, weather challenges and yes, global terrorism. Plus a developing, yet hidden, economic challenge creating an illusion: the stock market appears to be going up (which might make one optimistic), but in reality all business indicators signify we are teetering on a major economic crisis; which is likely to rear its head in late 2018.

So, where is the optimism? Where is the hope?

For me, it’s in my grown-up Christmas wish.

Regardless of whatever challenges arise, I choose to:

1. Grow hope where there is fear.
2. Spread love where is hate.
3. Extend grace when criticism abounds.
4. Offer compassion where there is doubt.
5. Live purposefully despite societal greed.

These choices are so simple, because what’s happening “out there” can only be changed if each one of us focuses on what’s happening “in here.” To say it in another way: peace, joy and abundance start on the inside first, before it manifests externally.

So if I want more peace in the world, I have to first stop feeding my fear and work hard to find internal peace, regardless of what’s happening in the world around me.

Ironically, I learned this very thing as a child. When my parents’ drunken arguments would escalate into violence, I would go outside, climb a tree and focus on feeling the warmth of the sun around me, and then in me. Basically, I turned my fear into peace on the inside, regardless of the danger lurking externally.

And if you want to create wealth and abundance in your professional life, seek first to find the abundance that already exists through your passions, your purpose, and just feeling that child-like joy.

As we celebrate this holiday season, rather than wishing for “peace on Earth” start praying for “peace inside me.” That’s my grown-up Christmas wish this holiday.

May these holidays bring you joy, abundance and much peace.

Terri Maxwell, CEOSucceed On Purpose

Link to song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmF2rsDHOZc