You may recognize this lovely lady. Joan Steffend anchored the news in Minnesota for over 20 years, hosted HGTV’s hit show “Decorating Cents,” and…drumroll please…is my MOM! Yahoo! I’m one lucky daughter, that’s for sure.
My awesome mom is now focusing on a new endeavor, encouraging others (and herself, oh and me!) to find peace. She’s talking the kind of peace that is attainable, found inside all of us, and also, different for everyone. Enter her new book: “peace in peace out”. The book encourages us to find peace inside of ourselves (peace in) and look for simple ways to share that peace with others (peace out).
So, I conducted a mother-daughter mini-interview about the book…wisdom ahead!
What does “peace in” and what does “peace out” mean?
Peace in and peace out, to me, reminds me of breathing. What you take in for yourself, you put out to the world. If you take in anger, you put out anger. If you take in joy, you put out joy. The world feels what you feel to some degree. “peace in peace out” asks you to be responsible for what you willingly take in and what you put out. Everyone has energy that changes a room when you enter. This asks you to be aware of it. Are you exuding conscious peace or are you giving off the remnants of the irritating traffic jam you just slammed the car door on? You get to choose.
Why is this message important right now?
I think this message is important right now because we are living in a world that feels chaotic and the problems feel too big to solve. It leaves many of us feeling helpless in the face of it. This is a book that offers the simplest of ways to offer the best of you to the world. It offers simple suggestions that cost nothing, that take very little time, but that will likely change your world and how you interact with the rest of us. If you change your world, you change the world at large, because we are all connected.
What inspired you to find peace? Have you always lived this way?
I think at its’ basis, it was pain that inspired me to search for peace. I couldn’t understand how I could have so much of what the world called success – a beautiful family, a great job, a nice house – and still feel like there was something big missing from my life. Ultimately, after years of looking for peace and not finding it, I wrote a metaphorical book about my life (“…and she sparkled”) that gave me the answer. I was missing from my life – the part of me that knew I was “enough”, just as I was. I’m not saying life is without challenges now, but I have peace knowing that I am enough to meet them.
Tell us how to use the last half of your book…
The left pages in the first half of the book are about the small ways we can know ourselves better and be kinder to ourselves. The right pages then offer simple ways to offer understanding and kindness to others. Then it’s up to you! The last half of the book is a journal for your thoughts, stories and wisdom. I can only offer what I have found to be true, but I know that every one of us has our own brilliance to offer ourselves and the world. This part of the book is an invitation to sit in silence with your brilliant self and listen. I think the statement, “Silence is golden,” wasn’t meant for expressive kids, it was meant for adults in search of valuable meaning.
What’s an easy step for someone who wants to illuminate their inner peace?
An easy step? I would say look at some of the stories that were told to you through the years by authority figures or friends or the media – stories of you not being good enough in their eyes. Look at those stories and reframe them. Like me – I was told that I was hot headed and stubborn as a child. I look at it now with compassion for that little girl, because I can see that I was passionate and I really wanted to be heard. I know now that is a great thing and I can see the strength in that little girl and not the shame. We’ve been told lots of stories about who we are and who we should be. I’d say today’s a good day to do a rewrite.
Anything else you want to add to the message of your mission?
I would want them to know that they have one tool to change this world, and it is their magnificent self. We can’t wait for someone else to bring peace to our world, when we aren’t working at peace within every day. We do have choice and we do have the opportunity to change the world. If not us, who?
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YAY! I know she’s my mom, but this is a really special book. I like using it as I begin my day, or as a supplement to meditating. It is easy to flip my fingers through the pages and randomly land on simple wisdom that I need in that moment.
Now, I want to share the peace with you!
I’m going to give away one copy of my Mom’s book!
To enter, leave a comment on this blog post with how you find peace in, or how you share peace out.
The giveaway will be open until Monday, December 3, and will contact the winner that day!
Or you can find “peace in peace out” at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or maybe even at your local bookstore!
Peace is often shared by me with a smile, a sincere smile.
Am always surprised, in a good way, how we respond to a kind touch as well.
Thank you for this opportunity!
Lyn
Love this Lyn. I agree – I try to smile at strangers as I pass them. And, a kind touch is also very disarming 🙂 Thank you for being here!
Wow, what an inspiring Mom you have Blair! Hmmm, I would have to say I bring peace in by writing in a journal. I don’t do it every day but when I do, it helps me get clear and calm and in turn helps me reflect that to my family.
I think so too, DeAnne! That is a perfect way to find peace. It all starts inside yourself – thanks for sharing! xo
Two beautiful women who I am honored to know! Sharing peace for me can be as simple as being that listening ear to someone who needs to share their thoughts, or making time for those I care about whenever possible. I love knowing I can leave a voicemail or send a text message and it brings a smile to someones life. The world needs more smiles.
Aww, Mellie – I love you! We are honored to know YOU! I have felt on many occasions you sharing your peace and you are excellent at it 🙂 Thanks for sharing this, lovely! xo
Wow, Blair, you are two beautiful women on two wonderful journeys! A big part of achieving peace in and peace out for me is living without judgement – not judging and being hard on myself and not judging or putting unrealistic expectations on others. That is a tall order on some days! It’s amazing to me how much others open up when they feel safe, cared for and don’t have to defend their actions, choices or feelings. A non-judgmental space offers an opportunity for discovery, healing, and change. Peace to you today sweet sister!
Thanks so much Darla! 🙂 Oh, judgement, that is a very powerful one. I am in the same boat as you, it is so important, and so difficult some days – but when you leave it at the door, amazing things can enter. Thank you for being here, lovely lady! xo
Love this Blair. You’re fun, wise writing jumps off the screen.
Peace in for me comes in laughter. LOVE TO LAUGH. For example; the “announcement” you gave our family before Thanksgiving – is STILL making me smile!! Don’t ever change.
Peace out. Well, (don’t tell Joan). . . but I love to leave REALLY BIG tips this time of year… for waiters/waitresses who have great smiles, attitudes and a glow that deserves more than a thank you. ( I never stick around – just a surprise Christmas gift).
Oh thanks Joe 🙂 YES! Laughter – that is one of my all-time favorites. Not many think that laughter is such a powerful feeling, but it changes EVERYTHING! Love the restaurant idea – that tip could change a lot for a lot of deserving people! Love you!
sorry – it’s “YOUR”… no “you’re”
What a blessing! I find peace in by surrounding myself with things and people that fill my soul with love, and I share that love OUT to the world whenever I can, in small and big ways. Thanks, Blair!
Hi Jennifer! Great thoughts on peace in, peace out. We all can change the world with our unique ability to just BE! Thanks for being here! 🙂
Blair I love how your Mom explains “what you take in for yourself, you put out to the world”. And learning to change our own world is so important if we want to see the world around us change. I love how she has thought of laying out her book even space to journal. That is my kind of a book. 🙂
I see your Mom’s light shining brightly just like that of her daughter. Thank you for this opportunity. xo
Hi Suzanne! She is truly a wonderful woman and has taught me (and continues to) so much! Thank you for seeing the beauty in her book too! You are so kind 🙂 xo
So beautiful + inspiring! My peace in peace out… hmm… being kind and positive, always. Those two things can change everything.
Also… I remember watching your mom on Decorating Cents all.the.time! 🙂 Thanks for sharing her book!
Thanks Erin! I can definitely feel your peace out – love your positivity! Oh, Decorating Cents, that was a fab show! I’m glad I have my own personal decorator on hand 😉
When I finally gathered the courage to begin meditating, I began to find peace in my heart and to listen to what was really true for me … and that has just naturally bubbled outward into my interactions with other people. I saw ‘peace in peace out’ at the Bibelot a few weeks ago and put it on my I-want-this list. It would also be a great gift for a BFF. Thank you both for sharing this interview here. Peace!
Hi Heather! Thank you for being here! Gorgeous testament of peace. Meditation is so powerful and both grounding and opening at the same time! Thanks for sharing 🙂 COOL that you saw the book at Bibelot – thanks for seeing the beauty of the book! xo and peace 🙂
Hi Heather! Thank you for being here! Gorgeous testament of peace. Meditation is so powerful and both grounding and opening at the same time! Thanks for sharing 🙂 COOL that you saw the book at Bibelot – thanks for seeing the beauty of the book! xo and peace 🙂
I loved the Get Real Girls. I didn’t know Joan was your mom. The book sounds very special & wise. When I feel that someone has said or done something to try to hurt me, I am trying to put some space between myself and the thought or feeling to try to figure if there is something I can learn from it.
Hi Patti! Get Real Girls was great 🙂 What wisdom you have. If only everyone could see those interactions in such an enlightened way. Thanks for being here! 🙂
When I feel frustrated or angry with someone, I try to recognize it and nip it in the bud by attempting to understand what it would be like in their shoes. My success rate isn’t high but I’ll keep trying.
That’s such a great way to look at anger and frustration. I try the same thing too, and like you, it is not always easy – but it greatly improves the chances the outcome will be good! 🙂
Love the book! Practicing the ideas. And enjoying a world that is more peaceful, joyful and delightful…because that is what we choose to be, bring and experience.
You are one smart girlie to have chosen such an AMAZING woman for your mother.
Well done!
Me too 😉 Thank you for your light! And, I certainly agree – great Mom choice 🙂 Lots of love!
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Well, too late to win the free book…good thing I actually got up the courage to go to your mom’s book talk/discussion at the Bookcase in Wayzata on 12/3…I’ve been a fan of your mom since way back when she was on the local news, and the “Something To Think About” spots….have always loved Joan’s calm/peaceful demeanor, so am surprised by the hotheaded/stubborn description in the interview. But, I believe wholeheartedly in the peaceful effort Joan is aspiring to, and seeking others to join her in the endeavor….happy there are people out there willing to “fight for it…in the most peaceful way of course”.
Oh yeah, I have the book…a signed copy.
Hi Gale! Thanks for being here! Love that you loved the “Something To Think About” spots – they were so powerful and something I believe we should promote more! Glad you believe in the peace effort too, thanks for sharing!