A Balanced Life

Develop Your Plan

When you first start thinking about living a life of balance it can seem overwhelming.  Sometimes you just don't know where to begin.  However, it's important to realize that there isn't any one particular place you should be begin.  The important thing is that you develop a realistic plan to become balanced and do something each day that will boost your life balance.

One of the first things you can do is to define the areas in your life that need balance.  Write down the major areas of your life that need to addressed on a separate piece of paper. Your headings for your major areas to balance may look something like the following:

• Family & Friends
• Things around your house or pertaining to your managing your household
• Finances
• Career
• Health
• Spiritual and community obligations

List all of the obligations or tasks associated with each of these major areas of your life. Don't ponder too hard while doing this exercise.  You just want to write down everything that initially comes to mind. Make sure to list those things under each area that you have been avoiding doing.

The next step is to prioritize your list under each major heading and compile them into a balance plan.  This balance plan is going to consist of a goal or two from each major areas. I actually suggest taking "baby steps" and include one task from each area that need balancing.  From your initial lists you can develop balance plans for the week or month.  Establishing small obtainable goals will boost your confidence in your ability to actually live a balanced life.

Running Late

Living a life out of balance can become a habit.  A life that lacks focus and direction will soon become unbalanced.  When this repeatedly happens this unbalance actually becomes the norm.  It can begin to feel comfortable.  One major area that tends to quickly become unbalanced is your daily schedule.

Those who live a unbalanced tend to always run late. I lived my life for a long time in a state of tardiness.  People began to expect me to arrive 5 to 15 minutes late. I was late for work, for church, for doctor's appointments, etc.  If I was supposed to be somewhere, you could guarantee that I was going to be late. Rushing from Point A to Point B was just how I lived.   

I had subconsciously began to justify my habitual tardiness.  I had convinced myself that I was always late because I always had too much to do.  But then I realized that I have control over my schedule.  I finally decided that I was tired of always having to drive like a maniac to get somewhere.  I got tired of the undue stress.  This stress was completely unnecessary.

Vacation Madness

So the kids are out of school and it's time to hit the road.   Summer marks the official start of the vacation season and it's time for fun.  One of my favorite vacation destinations is Disney World.  I absolutely love everything about the House of Mouse.

My daughter and I visit this magical world about every two years.  When it's time to get ready for Disney, I plan extensively.  I do an extreme amount of research on what are the best days to go to which parks, I map out what's the best time of day to ride Space Mountain and plan where we are going to eat each meal. Each day on our vacation is usually planned out from the time we get up until the time we go back to the hotel and pass out. Some would call this a little extreme.  However, I called it getting the most bang for my buck.

Skipping Out on Fitness

Making time for physical activity is one of my weaknesses. When I have extremely busy periods in my life, physical activity seems to be one of the first things that I cut out of my schedule.  However, this approach is not healthy at all.

I cut out my workouts when busy because I don't really like working out. But living a balanced life is not about balancing those aspects in life that I like. Having a balanced life means that I also embrace those positive aspects in my life that don't come naturally to me.

One big mistake that I would make was to schedule my workouts in the morning.  I am the first to admit that I am not a morning person. So when the alarm clock would go off I would resent my a.m. workouts. If I skipped them then I would feel guilty. I simply had to acknowledge that working out in the morning doesn't work for me.  So instead of working out at 5:30 a.m. I now work out at 5:30 p.m. If scheduling my workout in the afternoon increases the chances that I will work out then I'm successful.

Exercising on a regular basis is essential to good health. Our bodies need exercise just like it needs food and water.  But keep in mind that as with balance, physical activity is a very individual thing.  As I say often, one size fits all doesn't cut it. The important thing is that we all do some sort of exercising based on our physical capabilities.  For some this is walking and for others it may be training for a marathon. The important thing to do is just move.

Tools of the Trade

It is important that you have the proper tools and systems in place when trying to achieve a life of balance. Not having the right tools to help you achieve balance is like a going to a mechanic for an oil change and he doesn't have any oil to put in your car.  Pointless.

Deciding on what tools to use and what systems to put in place is a very individual decision. What works for someone else may or may not work for you. We all know that there are tons of gadgets and cool looking toys that were designed to keep us organized.  Some of these can be quite expensive.  However, before investing any money make sure that that product you are selecting is going to fit your needs. It is a waste of money to purchase something that you are not going to continue using. 

Listed below are a few things you may want to consider when purchasing a new organizational system:

• Size. How big or how small of a calendar to you want to carry? Do you want the calendar to be set up with a daily, weekly or monthly overview?  Or do you require a combination?
• Storage Space. Do you need pockets to keep important information handy?
• Style. Do you need a three ring binder style planner or can it be bound?
• Backing Up Information. If you are using an electronic device such as a PDA or your telephone you have to remember to back up the data in case the device stops working or is lost.

I have found that a combination of an electronic system and a planner helps me keep balanced. I schedule in time each week for me to make sure that both my phone and planner are in sync.  This process probably takes me 30 to 45 minutes each week.  But the benefits are worth it. I rather take a little extra time and give up the yellow sticky method I used for years. Besides, there are times when I have my cell phone with me and not my calendar.  This allows me the chance to double check my schedule before I over book myself. 

Please remember that you may have to try several different methods before you find the right tool for you.  That's ok. You want to ensure that you find something that you are going to stick with.  Also, find something that expresses your personality. There are all kinds of products that are quirky, colorful and personalized.  Have fun with it. 

Shining The Mirror On The Inside

The month of June brings a lot of buzz.  The kids are getting out of school, summer is beginning and it's time to start the family vacations.  All of these things are exciting and fun.  Yet, June can also be the time of year that we do a self evaluation.

Typically, January is the time of year that people make "resolutions." This is great, but it shouldn't stop there.  Once we come up with our plan for success we have to evaluate it's effectiveness and make modifications if necessary.  Since June is Rebuild Your Life Month and it's it in the middle of the calendar year, it's a perfect time to Shine the Mirror on the Inside.

To get this process going, I looked at the following areas:

• What strategies are working to help me feel balanced?

• What areas do I feel need to be strengthened?

• Have I made any progress toward my goals?

• Do I need to change any of my goals?

Spending some time in self reflection has allowed me to come up with a road-map for the rest of my year. I was excited when I took this time to Shine the Mirror on the Inside.  I was really amazed that I didn't find this task daunting. In the past my life was extremely unbalanced.  Participating in this type of analysis would have felt overwhelming.  This is because I wouldn't have any idea of where to begin. But not any more, I am living my life purposefully and it feel great!

A Life With a Fresh Start

Since June is Rebuild Your Life Month, it's a perfect time to think about starting your life with a fresh start. It's never too late to make changes. Two of the hardest aspects to overcome when deciding to make changes in life are:

• Unknown. Changing means that we have to step out of our comfort zone.  There is a certain level of familarity that comes with our identified weaknesses.
• Money. The lack of resources can often prevent one from making changes in their life.

Carefree has announced their Fresh Start Contest.  The first prize is a check for $10,000 to assist someone with making changes in their lives.  You can find more detailed information and contest rules on the official Fresh Start website.  There's no better time than the present to start working towards a Fresh Start.

It Is, What It Is

One important thing that women should come to terms with is that there are some things we just can't control. Being able to distinguish between what we can and can't control is important when striving for a life of balance.  When you understand this distinction and accept it then it keeps you from wasting time and energy.

Life brings each of us a bunch of "stuff" to deal with. This is not to say that this "stuff" isn't upsetting or there isn't any need for concern.  However, fretting over things that are out of our control is not productive. There have been many instances in my life that I would worry myself senseless over situations and people that I couldn't control.  This was physically and mentally exhausting.

My new strategy is to determine if I have ownership of the problem. If I don't, then I no longer focus my attention on it. In reality all I can control is my reaction and my attitude about the situation. That's it.  Truthfully, that's enough.  I can't surrender my power to something that doesn't belong to me. No longer do I get all bent out of shape.  No longer to yell and scream.  No longer do I let it ruin my day.  I have learned to accept that "It Is What It Is!!"

Tomorrow Never Comes

In the past, whenever I was faced with making a change I would often say, "I'll start tomorrow."  My other favorite saying was,"I'll start on Monday."  But whenever tomorrow and Monday rolled around I never started the change I was planning.  

I had to decide that life my life begins today! I was tired of just existing.  I wanted to start living!!!! I was tired of being a paggenger in my life.  I had to take control and get back in the drivers seat. I am in control of my life and my destiny. 

Now living life doesn't mean that things are perfect. There will be peaks and valleys.  And in fact, some of these are the direct result of some of my decisions.  However, I have control over how I react to the circumstances and situations. I am learning how to objectively look at my mistakes, take action and learn from them.

I am encouraging those of you who are sitting in the passenger seat of their live, to take the steering wheel back.  We are all blessed with the lives we have and the families & friends in it.  Stop putting things off.  Stop waiting for the perfect day, month, etc.  Things will never be perfect.  Learn to enjoy and embrace each new day.  Live Your Life Starting Now!!!!

The Obama's Night Out

It's been a few days and most major newscasts are still reporting on the Obama's date night.  This morning while getting ready for work I was watching the Early Show on CBS.  The entire cast was discussing the estimated tax payer cost, Michelle's dress, the traffic it caused in New York, what they ate for dinner and what show they watched.  As they continued to banter back and forth, Dave Price, the weatherman, put it all in perspective.  He said something to the fact that having the Secret Service comes with being the President and they deserved a night out.  Big Deal.

He was so right.  They do deserve a night out.  And guess what, so do we!  As busy women we have to make sure that we allot ourselves some fun time.  Having down time is essential to maintaining balance.  We all need a chance to let loose and do something fun and enjoyable. There is more to life than being a caretaker, working, rushing from meeting to meeting, and fulfilling all of our other numerous commitments.  We need to have some time for some good old fashion fun.

Now, we all may not be able to fly to New York for the evening.  But we can put aside our responsibilities for a little while.  I don't care if it's watching a movie, playing a board game with our kids, reading a book or skydiving.  The great thing about fun is that you get to define what that means to you. It's a totally personal experience.

So, don't feel guilty when your pick up your Sudoku puzzle instead of dusting.  You are allowed to have your own "date night'.  I don't care if you spend some time by yourself, with family or with friends.  Just have some Fun.

Live Your Life