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In today’s world, finding peace often feels impossible. Combat veteran, speaker, and author
Cole Grace knows this struggle firsthand. From serving on a roadside bomb
disposal team in Iraq to battling PTSD, chronic illness, and addiction, his story is a raw
testament to resilience. His book, Internal > External: Calming the Chaos Within,
captures his journey and offers tools anyone can use to embrace healing.
1. Calming Chaos Starts with Self-Awareness
Cole’s early life was marked by family instability and strict discipline. Later, in Iraq, he
developed perfectionism and hypervigilance—traits that kept him alive during deployment but
overwhelmed him once he returned home. He explains that true healing begins with
self-awareness: recognizing patterns like negative self-talk and hypercritical thinking.
When we notice our subconscious beliefs, we can begin to reshape them.
2. Facing Trauma with Courage
For years, Cole dismissed the impact of childhood experiences. It wasn’t until rehab and
therapy that he acknowledged how early wounds shaped his adult struggles. His story reminds us
that calming chaos requires courage to face both big and small traumas—and to
understand how they influence our present. Research shows that trauma during core developmental
years can affect brain wiring for decades
(Psychology Today).
3. Practicing Gratitude and Forgiveness
Cole highlights gratitude and forgiveness as essential steps in his healing journey. By writing
daily affirmations, forgiving his younger self, and extending compassion to others, he began to
shift from scarcity to abundance. This shift didn’t erase pain—but it gave him strength to
continue.
4. Calming Chaos by Listening to the Inner Child
One of the most powerful practices Cole describes is inner child work. When negative
emotions surface, he imagines speaking to his younger self with compassion instead of rejection.
By “reparenting” that inner child, he created new beliefs: “I am lovable. I am worthy.” This
practice, supported by neuroscience, helps retrain the brain’s subconscious patterns.
5. Happiness Is Found in Moments, Not Milestones
Many of us chase happiness through external goals: promotions, money, or even paradise
destinations. Cole moved to Costa Rica but still experienced depression. His insight? Happiness
isn’t a destination—it’s found in small, intentional moments of joy. Calming chaos
requires grounding ourselves in the present rather than chasing an elusive “someday.”
6. Building Self-Love and Setting Boundaries
Cole admits he used to be a people-pleaser, seeking validation from others. Over time, he
learned that self-love creates the strength to set healthy boundaries. Toxic relationships, he
says, don’t deserve space in our lives. Saying “no” may feel scary at first, but it’s essential
for peace.
7. Faith, Resilience, and the Power of Belief
Cole’s second book explores how biblical principles align with mental health practices. He
points out that many modern ideas about manifesting or positive mindset trace back to spiritual
wisdom. Whether through prayer, meditation, or affirmations, he emphasizes the importance of
aligning beliefs with hope and resilience.
Final Thoughts: Calming Chaos Is a Daily Practice
Cole’s journey is proof that calming chaos isn’t about erasing pain but learning to live with
authenticity, grace, and self-compassion. His vulnerability—sharing both victories and setbacks—
reminds us that healing is never linear. The truth is, life brings storms for everyone, but the
difference lies in how we respond to them. Choosing inner peace over external perfection allows
us to stay grounded even in the most difficult seasons.
Practical Steps for Calming Chaos in Your Life
If you’re ready to apply Cole’s insights, start small. Write down three things you’re grateful
for each day. Practice affirmations that challenge negative self-talk. Spend five quiet minutes
in reflection or prayer, and notice how your body responds. When tough emotions surface, don’t
run from them—pause, breathe, and listen with compassion. Over time, these daily choices build
resilience, creating a foundation of peace that no external chaos can easily shake.
As Cole shared on the
Rosabel Unscripted Podcast, joy doesn’t come from perfection but from daily
progress. Whether through gratitude, inner child work, or faith, each step toward self-love
helps us embrace peace within.
Connect with Cole Grace
If Cole’s story resonated with you, don’t hesitate to connect with him and explore more of his
work. His book Internal > External: Calming the Chaos Within is available on
Amazon. You can also follow his journey and
insights on YouTube at @seagrace21
and on Instagram at @seagrace2180_.
Engaging with Cole’s content is a powerful way to stay encouraged and continue learning about
practical steps for calming chaos in your own life.
Related Readings
- Related read: Practical Tips to Navigate Anxiety
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