Balance is not Perfection
by Emilie Maynor
If you're like me, balance has always felt like an elusive state of mind. It's a distant achievement. When I schedule my day, I want to make sure that my day is perfectly balanced with all the things it should be. I feel bad, guilty or worse - unfulfilled if it doesn't turn out that way.
- unstack dishwasher
- meetings
- put away laundry
- schedule appointments
- walk dogs
- grocery shop
- file
- yoga
- committee meeting
- teach class
- fix dinner
- talk to a loved one (mindfully)
- (insert your daily task here)
- be all that you can be!
I've noticed people either over schedule activities or get caught in an indecisive trap in order to "balance" their lives and end up in a web of un-productivity, "If I do A, then I will feel balanced." Finding balance has become a bogged down feeling of tasks. It's another thing on our to-do list: Today I will achieve Life-Balance.
Bull Sh*t.
Well, it's not bull...but I do have another way of looking at it. I've recently realized that I don't have to achieve balance. I am to be balanced. Balanced in my choices. I'm not in control of every aspect of my life, but there are plenty of positive choices I can make to improve my quality of life. Diets, relationships, profession, socialization. The reality is that balance does not equal perfection. I think often times we confuse the two.
I can't be perfect, but I can make balanced choices.
Balanced choices are the moment to moment thoughts and decisions we make that allow us to feel fulfilled or depleted. It's like we start each day full of energy bubbles, and every choice we make either pops or creates a bubble. Feeling balanced has a lot to do with what is referred to as our primary foods. These are the aspects of our life that create a feeling of wholeness.
I came up with a short list of the things that I think make me feel balanced and now I'd like to share it with you!
- Deep breathing
- Making time for breakfast
- Music
- Physical Activity
- Being present
- Acting - Not reacting
- Practicing honesty - with myself and others
- Accepting my needs (permission to practice self care)
- Accepting the needs of others
- Forgiveness
- Family
- Travel
- Writing
- Heartfelt Communication
- Like-minded people
- Lollie (my sweet rescue pup)
- Sunshine
This is my list of things that help me feel whole and balanced. I would love to know what helps you - comment below!
Love & Light,
Emilie