Balance.
Disclaimer: this will probably turn into a two-part blog. If you’re ready to teeter-totter, read on!How many of us are continually striving to obtain the coveted “balanced life” that has been publicly lauded as the key to true happiness? “If I could just find balance, everything will be OK!”It seems that this is a subject that often pushes itself to the forefront in both professional and personal situations. At work, there is the delicate weighing of one’s professional obligations, with the endless prioritizing of tasks, as well as finding a tolerable workload that is acceptable to the organization. At home, roles have to be juxtaposed, as wetry to find a way to make time for ourselves, our family and our friends. On top of it all, we have to blend the two realms of work and home together, which sometimes resembles a vinaigrette – with the oil and vinegar constantly pushing back on each other.
The struggle is real, right?
If only we could book a consult with our 8-year-old selves.Everything we really need to know about balance, we probably already had figured out as a kid. However, we tend to forget or dismiss lessons learned as a child, habitually citing that as we get older, life gets more complicated and therefore, childlike solutions need not apply.
I disagree. It’s about perspective and priorities.The child’s perspective is fixed on the present, as the child naturally belongs in the here and now. Our young selves live inthe moment. It is true that the child is not the best long-term planner, but boy-oh-boy, can they relish in the present. And how quickly they forget! It is rare that children dwell on past events, while adults sometimes literally make themselves ill by ruminating old wrongs. Take it from junior, the present is where it’s at! Granted, a certain amount of planning is necessary to become a functional, fulfilled adult. Goals, objectives and dreams are vital in your path to becoming the best you. However, these dreams can only come to fruition if you put in the time today. That’s the difference between being a “doer” and a dreamer. Being a “doer” is about grounding yourself to the present action, which, in turn, allows you to reach your future goals. Does this mean that the present moment will always be rosy? Hell, no! But you should relish in it none the less, because that moment will bring you a step closer to where you want to be. The pain you feel today might bethe necessary ill in order to feel rapture tomorrow. An example of this is Canadian Olympic swimmer Penny Oleksiak’s statement as she won bronze in the 200-metre freestyle event this week. Still wet from the pool and breathless from her effort, she revealed how her legs were killing her in the last metres of the swim and how she had to fight through the pain. A few short minutes later, she was honoured as a 6th time Olympic medal winner, making her the most decorated Summer Olympian in Canadian history. While this may not be an everyday example, we can apply the same philosophy to our non-Olympian lives. Chances are, if it hurts, it will bring growth. Growth is good.
Appreciate the moment for what it is. Honour your path and the work you are putting in. Breathe in the present: the good, the bad and the ugly.
Also, the child naturally prioritizes themselves. This includes: choosing activities that bring them joy, surrounding themselves with people who make them feel good and unabashedly, resting when needed. As adults, we tend to prioritize everything but ourselves, often neglecting our basic needs. How many times have you heard “I don’t have time to exercise” or “I am so tired”? You may have even uttered those words yourself. The feeling is real, but the statement is not.We all have the same number of hours in a day. The challenge is being able to put yourself first. Society has labelled thosewho do things for themselves as being selfish. I have another viewpoint, inspired by a younger version of me. I still care for others, but I now know that if I don’t take care of me first, everyone loses. It took a serious wake-up call for me to realize this. I was trying to balance the demands of raising young children, while embarking upon a new, demanding career. Add in some major house renovations and various family obligations and I blindly accepted that something had to give – and that thing was me. I stopped going to the gym ortaking the extra 10 minutes to walk rather than ride the metro. I generally just stopped taking time for me, in order to fit everything into one day. Big mistake people. Huge. I wasn’t justbad for me, we all suffered. Taking time for you, especially doing something active that is good for your mind, body and soul, is key to you being your optimal selfand in turn being able to care for others. It is not selfishness, it is self-preservation. Take unreserved care of yourself, repeatedly. Your future self will thank you. And make sure you bring present you along for the ride. I challenge you all to take the time to do something good for you today. Head out for a run, take a walk, go for a paddle, ride your bike or spend an hour on your yoga mat. Appreciate what your body is doing for you. Relish in the stretch and burn of your muscles. Imagine what that body can do for you tomorrow. Make it happen. Make yourself number one.
Give yourself some love, you deserve it. Strong body + Strong mind = Anything is possible.Take this first step in (re)finding your balance: prioritize yourself today.
Grit&Grace 