Freedom is peace, and peace is freedom.
Peace. We all seek peace. In our lives. In our families. Among our friends and neighbors. In our country, and in the world.
But we may ask ourselves, “Is peace even attainable?” And, “Is there anything I can do to bring peace into my life and into the world?”
Deep down we know that peace begins with us and that if we can find the peace that lives deep inside, we can share it with others. If we can heal ourselves of feelings like anger, fear, and restlessness, we will be able to achieve freedom in our lives.
Freedom is peace, and peace is freedom.
Let us work on ourselves in the new year so that we can work together with others to find peace in our homes, our neighborhoods, our cities, our country, and on our beautiful planet. It is worth all the effort we can give.
“Peace on Earth” is more than words we speak during the holidays. It is the reason for which we were born. It can only be realized if we believe in peace and do our part to make it real.
Gale McNeeley
Santa Maria
This article appears in January 8 – January 15, 2026.