Okay, I have an eclectic spiritual background. I was raised in a Reform Jewish home (in a very Italian Catholic neighborhood). I have many friends who have resonated with Science of Mind principles, and I have practiced Siddha Yoga Meditation for around 18 years.

And, over the past few Decembers, I have taken to decorating a little Christmas tree in my living room.

This season, a friend’s gift of a shiny turquoise Buddha tops my tree, surprisingly serene amid strands of tiny white lights (a bear to arrange when you’re new to the tradition) and hodgepodge of new or borrowed ornaments.

This sort of blue bodhisattva feels like the right symbol for me to reflect on as 2015 comes to an end and I think about my life’s path as I enter 2016.

The opening line of a popular Christmas carol is “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”

I’d like to propose a small modification. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin WITHIN me.

I’ve come to understand that performing consistently compassionate actions in the world requires one to be at peace with oneself first.

I’m not usually a fan of list-icles and have avoided writing blog entries as short articles listing steps for improving one’s life. Who am I to tell someone else how to live?

But I have recently observed a few things about how I slip into a state of inner peace.

1) I set aside regular time for myself. I have declared this time to be sacred. Maybe I’ll spend this time in meditation or reading quietly or taking a walk or composing a prayer or recording my thoughts in a journal.

I aim to carve out my piece of personal time early in the day, or I leave too much room for unexpected things to grab my attention. When quality alone time is left to chance, it is no longer is sacred.

2) I try to be gentle on myself and practice self-acceptance. When I find myself unleashing a barrage of criticisms directed at myself, thoughts that I should have done something better, I stop and ask myself if I would voice such statements to someone else, someone I love.

I have to conclude that if I wouldn’t make such a statement to someone I love, I certainly shouldn’t be telling myself such a thing.

3) Just say THANK YOU. I’ve often had problems accepting compliments or gifts from other people. After receiving something, I would immediately start worrying about reciprocity. I would feel a strong need to be sure I was giving back something of equal or greater value.

I’d turn my back on opportunities to feel regarded well, or even cherished, and take up the banner of worry.

Being ready to say thank you to gifts that come your way is a choice to empower and uplift yourself. It’s also an opportunity to exercise TRUST.

I’ve found that believing in a higher power that can distribute blessings in the best way possible relieves me of a false sense of responsibility and the burdens that go with it.

I am very grateful that I make time for myself and that I use my mind to reflect on my experiences, that I consider actions that can lead to greater self-acceptance.

Beginning with the goal of creating peace within yourself as a way to promote peace in the world is no small thing.