Life's Balance Beam - How To Keep From Falling Off
Have you ever watched children walk along a curb, or along the
railway ties lining the local playground? They walk with their
arms straight out, placing one foot in front of the other, as
they teeter from side-to-side. They have to stay focused in
order to keep their balance. As adults, we also need to focus on
balance in our lives or we may end up falling off - not off a
curb or a railway tie, but off our path in life.
I know what you are thinking: "Who has time to think about
balance? I have enough to think about. I have to work, clean the
house, do laundry, be a good friend, volunteer at church, parent
my children, and find time for my marriage." I understand.
However, I would like to encourage you to take a few minutes to
read this article - and maybe to reflect on what balance would
look like for you.
Personally, I need a little from all areas of my life. It is
important for me to exercise and watch what I eat, and it is
also important for me to have fun and express my creativity. My
career as a life coach is my passion, and I am also passionate
about spending time with my family. My church nourishes my
spirit; spending time with my husband every day nourishes our
marriage.
Finding balance in life is different for everyone. Some of us
want to slow life down a little and lighten our load. Others may
love the fast-paced lifestyle of the "Energizer Bunny," as they
go-go-go. It is important for each of us to think about how we
want to spend our lives and about what is most important to us
as individuals. If you find yourself driven by circumstances and
not exercising your power of choice, you are probably living
"out of balance". For instance, how often to you hear yourself
say, "I can't, I have to, or I need to...?" Are you giving up
your right to choose? Do you insist on doing things a certain
way without ever asking why or looking for a better way?
Balance in our lives enables us to make choices that are right
for us - for the right reasons. We learn to say "no" to things
we don't want to do. Or to change our attitude about those
things that really must be done. We become willing to look
honestly at what is not working in our lives. For some, it may
be as simple as handing over household chores to a housekeeper
in order to pursue a hobby. Others may find that seeking out a
biking partner helps motivate them to exercise. Keeping balance
may require saying no to a child's extracurricular activity to
make time for a family night. Trying out new ideas one at a time
can help each of us achieve the balance and fulfillment that may
be missing from our lives.
It is important to remember that balance is a process and is
constantly changing, just as our lives are constantly changing.
Balance is not some static goal that we achieve and then move
on. We achieve balance in the moment, understanding that in the
next moment everything may change.
Look at the balance in your life over time. If life seems smooth
and fulfilling, you are probably on the right track. If,
however, your road through life seems bumpy and you are often
unhappy, making changes to help you move towards greater balance
could be the answer for you.
Lori Radun, CEC - certified life coach for moms. To receive her
FREE newsletter and the FREE special report "155 Things Moms Can
Do To Raise Great Children", go to
http://www.true2youlifecoaching.com