About Michael Peterson
The story behind I Seek Serenity, what serenity means to Michael, and why differing perspectives matter.
Why I started I Seek Serenity
When I retired, I wanted to stay active and give something back. That led me into graduate studies in social work. After about two years, circumstances helped me recognize that I had learned what I was meant to learn from that part of the journey and that my path was moving in another direction.
That process became the beginning of The Four-Legged Stool and, eventually, I Seek Serenity.
I am interested in how people decide what matters in their lives. I would rather offer ideas, stories, questions, and possible road maps than tell people what they should value.
What serenity means to me
Serenity is the stillness at the center of a hurricane.
Serenity is not ignoring reality. It is trying to see reality more clearly. We can learn from the past and prepare thoughtfully for the future, but the present moment is where life is actually happening.
A perspective of love
I do not want to hate my thoughts or emotions, even when they seem unreasonable or uncomfortable. I would rather try to understand them and ask what is true, what requires action, what needs acceptance, what can be learned, and when it is time to let something go.
Seeking, not arriving
The word seek matters. I do not think serenity is a permanent destination. Life keeps changing, so seeking serenity is an ongoing practice.
Growth and contribution
Personal growth matters. But I do not believe growth is only about ourselves. As we become more aware, more capable, and more intentional, we also become better able to add value to the lives around us.
For me, growth and contribution belong together.
About Mikey
Mikey is an illustrated counterpart based on me. Animation gives us the ability to do things that would be difficult if every video simply showed me sitting in front of a camera.
Mikey can step inside a parable. He can walk beside a river, stand in a garden, examine the Four-Legged Stool, encounter a difficult choice, or help turn an abstract idea into something visible.
He can also ask questions. Sometimes that may be more useful than giving answers.
Mikey will appear in selected videos, parables, Brain Teasers, and other material as I Seek Serenity develops.
Watch & ListenLearning from other people
I am not building I Seek Serenity because I believe I have all the answers. I am interested in perspectives that are different from mine. Thoughtful disagreement supports the purpose of the site.
If we only listen to people who already agree with us, we may never discover the part of the elephant we have not yet touched.
Share Your PerspectiveA new journey
I have spoken at business events in the past, but I am just beginning the public-speaking part of the I Seek Serenity journey.
Someone will eventually be the first person to invite me to speak about I Seek Serenity. Why not you?
Invite Michael to SpeakJoin the conversation
If something on this site makes you think, I would like to hear about it. Share a question. Suggest a topic. Offer another perspective. Tell me where you disagree. Recommend a guest. Suggest a parable. Or simply tell me about something you have learned that might help someone else.
I Seek Serenity is still growing. Your perspective may help shape where it goes next.
Share Your Perspective