Finding Your Life Balance
by Anastasiya on 24/05/11 at 8:20 am
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Is it simple to find life balance? Give yourself a second to think about it …
Image by Tennessee Wanderer
I would like to know your answer but right now let me give you mine “Yes, it is simple.” Some people might not agree with me but I believe that anyone who is even thinking about balance has all the resources to find it. Sometimes all we need is a roadmap that will take us from one stop to the next one.
The most amazing part about life balance is that it is not static. It is a pleasurable journey … a ride in a red (or insert your favorite color here) convertible along the picturesque Highway 1 … a cruise that takes you from one destination to the next one. Life balance is a state of mind and body that you choose to live in; the state that lets you make choices in life coherently with your values and priorities.
But let’s get back to something a little bit more practical here. There are a few very simple steps that you can take to bring more balance into your life. Granted, our paths in life are completely different and what feels in balance to me might feel completely out of balance to you. It is important to find your own limits and positions where you personally feel comfortable. Here are 4 steps that can guide you in your life balance journey:
- Simplify. The more things you have on your plate the more difficult it is to find balance. Some of us have a unique ability to juggle up to a hundred things at one time but realistically most of us need a less complicated approach. If you choose to do less it does not mean that you become less productive or that you give up certain opportunities in life. Choosing less helps you focus on what you are really good at or what is really important to you. Most importantly it helps you put maximum meaning into every action and utilize your potential to the fullest.
Practical steps: Make one little step to a simpler life every day or at least every week. Can you clean one drawer in your house today? Can you skip unnecessary communication today? Can you simplify your diet by choosing more natural ingredients? You have a choice to start wherever you want to. - Become present. Being present is sometimes the most difficult thing to do because there are so many distractions in our world. Our mind tends to wander off in the most unexpected direction when we need to pay attention to what is going on around us. Being present means taking in everything that is around us; it means listening to every word that is spoken to you (not a very easy thing sometimes); it means making choices based on your true feeling and logical reasoning rather than emotions and temptations. Becoming present teaches you to be aware of your body and of the world around you.
Practical steps: Every day make it a habit to stop for 5 minutes in different places and really be present in the moment. Can you notice something different about the weather? Can you understand people you are communicating with a little bit better? Can you discover a new taste in your ordinary meal? - Practice moderation. I believe in moderation as one of the biggest virtues in the world. Moderate does not mean being mediocre or bland, it does not mean limiting your potential or giving up your passions. Being moderate is not about subduing any strong feeling or emotions in life, it is about making mindful choices that you will not regret. As one of my readers mentioned in her comment “Moderation is good in moderation.” Keep your desires in line with your needs and you will feel the balancing power of moderation.
Practical steps: Start practicing moderation with simple things like food. Next time you are craving your favorite treat – eat half of what you would usually have. - Be grateful. I do not know any single person who found life balance without first realizing how blessed they are in life. If you focus on looking for something that is missing in your life then you are definitely missing the whole point about life balance. The truth is that most of us already have what we need to be happy and balanced, we just often forget about it. It is guaranteed that all of us will go through difficult moments and that not all our plans will work out just the way we want them to. However, even in those times we still have plenty to be grateful for.
Practical steps: Make a list of at least 10 things you are blessed with today and try to add at least a few items to this list every day. Life balance will come to you naturally after you realize how rich you are right now.
Are you on the journey towards life balance? What steps have you already taken and which ones are still ahead of you? Share your wonderful thoughts in the comments below.
Anastasiya is the author behind the BalanceInMe blog – a place for people interested in practical life balance strategies. She is passionate about helping people find their balance in different areas of life: work, family, health, lifestyle, spirituality and others. She also a runs virtual Life Balance Retreats for people interested in making lasting changes in their lives.
Thérèse Cator
