Balance- what a popular topic these days! Finding a work-life balance, being balanced in body, mind and soul, eating a balanced meal, balancing work, play and learning. But what does it really mean? When I ask my clients what balance means to them, most have no idea initially, and find it a good exercise to reflect on. For some it means spending more time with family and/or fun and less time on work, for others it means starting a physical activity. For some it means doing some emotional healing, for others starting a spiritual path. The truth is, we are all individuals, and we each have our unique definition of what balance is. If we take the time to ask ourselves what a balanced life looks like, we'll find the answer. Or we'll at least be shown what is not in balance so we can start there!
I lived a large part of my life out of balance. As a mother, daughter, wife, many times I let my needs go to take care of others. Later when the boys left home I let my job consume my life, letting go of the things I knew were good for me because I was 'too tired'. First went the exercise, then my eating got off track, I stopped meditating, stopped socializing and having fun and isolated myself. It was a cycle of overwhelm, then frustration, then isolation, leading to depression. Now that's a life really out of balance, I wasn't taking care of myself physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually! It was a huge wake-up call to me that I needed to make some major lifestyle changes if I wanted a fulfilling life, and for that I am truly grateful.
As I was recovering from my depression, I started taking care of my body, mind and spirit. As I started leading a more balanced life, I was amazed at the overlap- how when I do something for my physical self for instance, it benefits me in the other areas. Running for example is an exercise for my physical body that has ripple effects mentally, emotionally and spiritually as well. Running down a trail and seeing a deer or the sunset is spiritual, filling my heart with gratitude, emotionally I sometimes start out feeling upset about something, then find my mind clears as I run through the situation and come to understanding, mentally I often work out my agenda for the week, or what my newsletter article will be on or other business items. What I eat affects me physically, mentally and emotionally, which in turn affects me spiritually. What I think creates my emotions which in turn create my actions and results. A good reminder if I am to be healthy in all ways, I need to take care of all parts of me.
Are you paying attention to all parts of your life? Is there an area that needs improvement- career, finances, recreation/fun, family, relationships, personal/spiritual development, environment, physical health or? If not, congratulations! If so, take a look at where you're at, what you could do to improve your situation and go for it! Change doesn't have to be big. Do one thing to improve one area of your life and you create more balance? Enjoy the life we are meant to live, a life of prosperity and abundance in all areas! Cheers to you!
About The Author
Norma Reid, CEC, is the owner of From Dreams to Reality Success Coaching. She is passionate about helping others realize their potential, turning their professional and personal dreams into reality. For more info: http://www.fromdreamstoreality.ca or mailto: http://www.fromdreamstoreality.ca.
whole house cleaning Deerfield ..Buried under mountains of paperwork from your company? Do the... Read More
Technology has given us the tools to reduce routine tasking,... Read More
Whatever your clutter problem the answer is the same: make... Read More
Often we are in overwhelm because we are holding too... Read More
1. In terms of organization, what is the first thing... Read More
Every day I find junk mail waiting for me, whether... Read More
Take a look around you right now. Look away from... Read More
I'm sure most of you have heard of Zig Ziglar... Read More
When the things in your home start crowding in around... Read More
The word "compartmentalize" means to separate into distinct parts. I... Read More
'A well-ordered life is like climbing a tower; the view... Read More
Keeping on task and getting organized starts with a basic... Read More
Have nothing in your houses that you do not know... Read More
"My job is an endless series of deadlines, I am... Read More
The Mexican VillagerThe American investment banker was at the pier... Read More
The true definition of an organization is one that is... Read More
There is nothing worse then spending ten minutes looking for... Read More
What's in a Name?Everything.What do you do with all the... Read More
Winter is starting to retreat, and hints of Spring are... Read More
What method do you currently use to organize your family?... Read More
EVERY HOME NEEDS AN OFFICEYes, it is true that every... Read More
Have you ever wondered how some people seem to have... Read More
In part 1, we discussed a system you could use... Read More
I have a huge white board in my home office,... Read More
Last year I attended a presentation from Parenting Expert and... Read More
home cleaning services Des Plaines ..What do your storage spaces look like? Do you know... Read More
Q. I have several projects going at once -- but... Read More
After more than 20 years as an entrepreneur and a... Read More
Life with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) can be a constant... Read More
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Have a to-do list a mile... Read More
Collections are the outward manifestation of a deeply-felt principle or... Read More
"Do something every day that you don't want to-do; this... Read More
At this point, you have probably run across some belongings... Read More
Every day I find junk mail waiting for me, whether... Read More
Staying organized can be a constant battle. The following organizing... Read More
Color-There Is No SubstituteIn anatomical illustrations you see the brain's... Read More
Studies show that 80 percent of what we use comes... Read More
Spring?. Fresh breezes through open windows, sleeping trees come awake... Read More
Life is about maintaining a balance of all aspects. At... Read More
I followed my boss to a co-worker's cubicle where my... Read More
There are eight distinct steps to constructing and executing an... Read More
From time to time I hear this question from an... Read More
1. THE LOVE IT OR LOSE IT PRINCIPLE: Every item... Read More
It may seem far-fetched, but by organizing your desk, your... Read More
Have you ever felt so discouraged, your life so out-of-control,... Read More
Article excerpted from the new book, "How to Do Space... Read More
"Junkyard Wars," a TV series showed two teams of experts... Read More
1) It's easy to have a good clear out: Not... Read More
Our children are probably the biggest clutter creators we have... Read More
Clutter in any area of your home is a sign... Read More
Get Organized - Organization |