Monthly Archives: January 2026

“What placates you?”

Oh, good question from the Measly Jar of Motivation to start the blogging year!

Placate- from the Latin placare meaning to appease.

Placate – to make someone less hostile or angry; to pacify or calm someone.

When I pulled this question from the mason jar, I thought “Oh, this will be easy!” but now that I am thinking about the origin of the word placate and the dictionary meaning, I’m not so sure.

So, why am I finding it a challenge to answer this question? Because I’m genuinely not a hostile or angry person who needs to be pacified and placated. It’s as simple as that.

On the odd occasion when I do get angry, I’m more likely to walk away than to get riled. I dislike conflict.

If I look at this question from a different angle and rephrase it as “What calms you?” then it’s easier to answer…much easier!

A walk along the beach is my favourite way to calm myself and replenish my soul. There’s a small stretch of beach about a mile and a half from my house and as often as I can, I’ll walk there and let the feeling of the sand under my feet ground me. If it’s a sunny day then that’s a bonus as sitting in the sun is another thing that I do when the chance arises to keep calm, I think I’m solar powered! LOL

Practising yoga and channelling Reiki as I meditate first thing in the morning several days a week, calms me. I might only spend a few minutes on my yoga mat some days but it’s enough.

Writing is the other obvious answer to the revised question. I journal extensively and have done for years now and I find that is a really effective way to calm down, especially if someone is preying on my mind. Seeing the “issue” written down on the page frequently kills its power. Don’t underestimate the value to be found in journalling. Not a day goes by that I don’t write something, even if it’s only my diary entry at bedtime.

Finally, music is another thing that calms me. There’s always music playing in the house or in the cara. I have my “go to” songs for certain emotions but music, especially live music, is so good for the soul.

So, what placates you? Please comment below.