A Changing Balance – Five Ways to Move Yourself Towards Living in Balance

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Some of us buy into the illusion that we can work hard to get our lives organized and “balanced,” and it will stay that way forever … perhaps even thinking we will live “happily ever after.”

But sameness is not balance. One of the givens of life, and of being human, is that we are constantly adapting, growing, learning and changing. Our homes and our cars are splendid examples, as they teach us that all objects are in a constant state of change and disintegration. We have difficulty seeing our world this way, as we’re often blind to reality.

The idea of balancing our hectic lives is much different than living in balance. Some of us have designed our lives so tightly that any change or emergency can throw us into turmoil. For example, parents often set up child care to deliver their children every morning and pick them up after work, and then carefully plan their work to fit into their child-care routines. Then one child gets sick right when there is a special project at work … and their lives and households fall into shambles. Just like walking on a high wire … one false step, or leaning to far, can lead to disaster.

Life is a forever changing process. When we try to treat it like a series of planned events we run into trouble. The secret to living in balance is internal, not external. Living in balance can never be accomplished through the manipulation of external events. Balance will never be reached once and for all … that’s just life and the human condition.

Balance is peaceful. It has no striving, twirling or unsteadiness.

Five ways to move yourself towards living in balance are to:

  1. Become aware of what contributes to an internal feeling of balance for you;
  2. Look at every aspect of your life that you believe you’ve balanced, or are trying to keep the same, and see if any are causing you stress;
  3. When feeling stressed, take another look, put on new glasses and celebrate the balance that is there, while accepting changes that you need to be make;
  4. Recognize that balancing and rebalancing yourself is an ongoing process offering you many wonderful opportunities; and
  5. Embrace the new opportunities as sources of growth, learning and change.

Need help to live in balance? Call Betty at 647-268-0482.

***Paraphrased from Meditations for Living in Balance by Anne Wilson Schaef

Betty Franklin
Betty Franklin
Betty Franklin is a Mental Fitness & Wellbeing Expert. After a 30-year career working on the frontlines of healthcare, supporting and caring for people dealing with illness and disease, she transitioned her nursing career outside the institutional setting to help people stay healthy and live fuller, more vibrant lives. She does this through one-on-one coaching, delivering powerful seminars and her book called G.U.T.S. - Get Uncomfortable To Succeed, Embracing Health, Balance and Abundance. With a practical, well-rounded approach to mental and physical wellbeing, Betty's seminars and coaching program provide clients with clarity, direction and support to enhance their health and life. She simplifies what you need and want, how you can attain it, and helps you understand what's holding you back. People who work with Betty notice a clearer perspective emerging as they learn and grow, and as they stay accountable. Ultimately, they reach where they want to be faster, and with greater ease.