I don’t want to live a life where my heart rate always stays below 100 bpm. And you shouldn’t either.

There is a term circulating on social media: “Protect your peace.” It’s all a part of a bigger movement to put mental health and emotional wellbeing at the forefront of everyone’s minds, which is great.

But should we always be protecting our peace?

The mantra has become about avoiding negative situations, uncomfortable experiences or something that would evoke an unfavorable emotion. But are all of those things not a part of life? Difficult conversations, awkward moments and new (but scary) experiences happen, and they can often be an opportunity for growth. If we run away from them, we miss out on all the good that it could bring.

I’m not saying to seek these experiences out. I’m just saying that it’s okay to get your heart rate up sometimes.

-Charlotte Shields-Rossi