I know I’m not the only woman in the world who has tried to stretch herself and find balance. I always seem to have a lot of projects going on with lots to do. I think you all can relate.
It doesn’t really matter what phase of life you are in, whether you have children or pets or a spouse or are completely independent. Everyone has felt pulled in a million directions, struggled with making ends meet, lost weight, gained weight, had their hearts broken, lost loved ones—you name it—at some point or another.
People think because my Web site is called “Find Balance in You” that I hold the key to calm and balance, but I can tell you one thing I know for certain—balance is bunk!
Let me explain. Finding balance to me means identifying how to prioritize, juggle, and set goals with a smile on our face—or sometimes just without ripping our hair out! It does not mean living with complete serenity and silence. How boring is that?!
Finding balance means doing things to the best of our ability, saying no to things we just can’t handle, practicing self-care so we can be the healthiest versions of ourselves possible. And, when times are tough, staying positive, and working hard to pull through by creating a vision, preparing ourselves, and following up with the actions we need to do to see and feel the results we want so we can design our lives. Simple, right?
Let’s break it down. Here are some basic tips to help you find balance:
1. Now Is the Best Time—Don’t Wait for Change to Happen.
Sure, we’ve all said, “When I am thinner, when I am richer I will …” But remember we are complete, capable, and perfect as we are today; we just have to believe in ourselves and then we can achieve anything. It’s silly to think we can’t do something we want to do now, so see yourself as happy and balanced today and you will be happy and balanced. If you see yourself as less than that, you will be less than that. We live up to our own expectations of ourselves so set the bar high and soar!
2. Picture Balance from the Inside Out.
When something puts a true smile on your face, don’t you feel a sense of peace? A good laugh can make anyone’s day, so try to put it in perspective. By focusing on what makes us happy, we can handle the tough times much better. If we concentrate on the negative, the negative will be given unnecessary power.
Visualize your most “balanced” self—picture your vitality, health, energy, attitude. Feel your heart beating strong, your blood sugars stable, your body utilizing food as fuel, and your digestion working well. See healthy relationships at home, at work, with your friends and family. See yourself smiling, laughing, and jumping for joy! When we see these things for ourselves, it’s hard not to just be that person! Remember, focus on what you CAN do, it’s so much more fun that way!!
3. Mini-Goals Make the Map.
Once you clearly see what you want, it’s easier to live well. Hey, you need a destination when you get in your car for a road trip, right? If you try to overhaul everything at once, you can easily become overwhelmed and risk burnout. Take a look at your current state versus your desired state, and fill the gaps from where you are to where you’d like to be.
If you feel stuck in a rut or as if something is missing, create a plan for yourself. Anything is possible if you just plot out a pleasant path to change and take the steps! Plus, every time we reach a goal, our energy soars! I mean, doesn’t it feel fantastic when you check something off of your to-do list?
