For as long as humans have broken bread together, they have argued over contentious topics or, if they’re wise, they’ve avoided contentious topics in exchange for peaceful meals and drama-free Thanksgivings.

Have you ever felt so scared of an impending situation that you spend time catastrophizing all of the possible terrible outcomes? So nervous about public speaking that you your heart races, your palms sweat and your legs shake? So worried about a loved one that you can think of nothing else for weeks?

Many years ago, I came across this quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

Is it better to be right or to be happy? I first heard this question in my early 20s and I immediately chafed at the challenge to pick just one option.

Among all the rotten aspects of the global pandemic - death, illness, loss of livelihood, mental health struggles, isolation - there have been a few bright lights.

I’m on a lifelong journey to experience as much peace as possible. With a demanding career, two teenagers and the usual tsunami of life events requiring action