Balanced Living
*Balance
The Oxford American dictionary I consulted (who can you trust if not your dictionary?) had these two interesting things to say about balance:
*off balance - in danger of falling
*on balance - taking everything into consideration
I don't know about you but when I ponder the extreme difference in these 2 definitions I have a powerful reaction. And then if I imagine a visual image to go with each one, it looks like this; I could either be at risk of falling (ouch) or I could be calmly making choices based on the deliberate reflection of what's in the best interest of my health and all the parts of my life (yea!).
Hmmmmm……
Okay, so how do you know if your life is off balance or on balance, or somewhere in between? Well, if you have to think about it for long (this means you), then ask yourself the following questions:
"Is there an important area of my life (fitness, relationship, fun…?) that you keep promising yourself will get more of your time and energy really soon?
"Does your personal life get as much of your dedication and quality of energy as your job/career?
" Do you spend more time emailing or talking on your cell phone than you do talking to people who are right in front of you who would like to have a conversation?
If the answers to these questions are giving you a clue that maybe your life is a little off balance, then here are a few recommendations:
1) Take stock with a brief life evaluation. This is a simple way to see the gaps in each area of your life and also why your 'wheel of life' ride might be a little bumpy.
2) Notice how you feel as you look at each area and if there is a particular area of your life that's really calling for your attention (actually it could be screaming at you, but you're not listening)
3) Pick one area that right now is the most important to you and decide to make a small change that is manageable and that you can commit to.
4) NOW, make ONE GOAL in this area that you imagine you can accomplish, enlist support if you need it, and put that goal into your schedule (TODAY).
Remember, this is just one step towards a more balanced existence - you aren't attempting to accomplish a total life makeover in one day. Start small, but get started!
By Tana Elliott