Balance

Balance is defined as a state of equilibrium, mental steadiness, a habit of calm behavior or judgment; a state of bodily equilibrium.

True balance is much more than a balance of power or wealth. Much more than a balance between work/school & life. Much more than a balance of effort, of thought & action. It's something we all seek, sometimes subconsciously; without knowing or realizing it. The balance between the power of the mind and the strength of the body, creating equilibrium, resulting in true peace within oneself. Find and obtain this balance and all else will follow.

This balance won't prevent trouble and difficulty from finding you in life, but will surely allow to you to find your way through it; NOT AROUND IT; much easier. Calmness and peace of mind will be your most valuable ally when battling the challenges and obstacles life will throw at you. However, an improper balance will not result in mental peace but in frustration and a sense of hopelessness and an absence of motivation. Without balance, all of your struggles will seem so much worse.

Now, how to find this balance. First things first, SELF CARE. Recognize your self worth and take care of yourself. If you don't, who will? If you don’t take the time and steps to preserve your health and well-being, then who will?

Part of finding balance is acknowledging and accepting the fact that you cannot do, nor everything all the time. What do you REALLY want in life? Going through life without knowing what you want will leave you searching blinded and endlessly, for everything. Going through life wanting everything will result in the waste your undefined, and yet still very limited amount of time, chasing the wind, ultimately resulting in a deep dissatisfaction. What is your passion? Remember, it's passion that drives us. It will be much easier to find balance in a life oriented around an authentic passion. However, it is important that we occasionally take a break. How short/long and when to take one really depends on the person. Because of this balance in life is not universal, the balance in one's life is as unique as the the life of the person itself; that's just one part of the beauty of individuality of humans. The map to find balance in the journey of life will be different for each and everyone of us. As will the task of maintaining it.

Moving from the abstract aspect of it to the concrete application. First, KNOW YOUR LIMITS, do not overwhelm yourself with the weight of a to-do list long enough to wrap around the planet. Know what you can and cannot do and then plan accordingly. Second, take regular breaks and time off when necessary. To prevent any job, task, or even a hobby, from feeling like an absolutely unbearable routine, mix in things you truly enjoy. Sometimes, in extreme scenarios, even our passions can begin to feel like an obligation to us. Take a short break to breathe and relax. Take a day off to have some fun. Focusing on only work and things you feel like you have to do will result in a; for lack of a better phrase; "Screw This" attitude. A mix of work, play, things we have to do and things we want to do is essential. As well as carving out enough time for sleep, relationships that sustain us, exercise, healthy meals and other life-affirming activities. Balance may not be an easy thing to find and obtain, but once obtained life will be much more enjoyable, NOT EASIER, but much more delightful.