Somewhere between perspiration and inspiration is that all-important sweet spot we call balance. The fact that it’s taken me so long to finish this post just proves that finding that proverbial “sweet spot” is a continuous work in progress.
The start of spring feels much like turning the first page of a book you can’t wait to read. There is a sense of anticipation and excitement about what lies ahead, and you can’t wait to get stuck in.
As a caregiver, making myself a priority and finding a good balance sometimes feels like looking for that needle in a haystack. I know that’s a bit of a cliché but if the shoe fits. Oh damn, there I go again.
Now in my mid-50s, there are times when frankly all I want is just a decent night’s sleep. You are pulled in so many different directions trying to accomplish everything, it can be incredibly exhausting as well as very rewarding.
I’m also the kind of person that craves alone time, as solitude is extremely recharging for me. Others enjoy being around people and socializing, but that’s not for the most part, who I am. Now don’t get me wrong, I like spending time with the special man in my life, as well as friends and family, but being able to check in with myself and realizing it’s time for just me is important.
With the constant onslaught of media coverage of the war in Ukraine, shootings, natural disasters, and a very tough economy, turning on the television at the start of every day feels like a wet blanket being thrown over any happiness you might feel at that moment. Now I simply avoid the news first thing in the morning and before bed, and as a result, don’t begin or end my day feeling overwhelmed and stressed. It is a simple choice, but one I have found very effective for me.
The dark cloud of Covid-19 still seems ever-present with no real end in sight. Nowadays I think we’re all simply accepting it’s here to stay and focusing on other things. Which to be honest is a refreshing change.
So much of the last few years has been dominated by the pandemic, I am enjoying this respite from constant conversations about it. There almost feels like an invisible dividing line, when people talk about things, always referring to “before Covid and “since Covid”. Who knew our everyday lives could be so impacted by this virus?
If I was to pick something to focus on for 2023, it would be to prioritize finding the best balance I could for my life.
Self-reflection is something I have begun to practice regularly, as part of looking to understand myself better. Examining how I react or feel in various situations is always a good way to gauge if I am truly in sync with who I am.
Waking up each day and making the conscious decision to “be happy” and approaching things with a positive attitude has made an enormous difference in how I feel on a daily basis.
I know that sounds extremely simple but even if you take a moment or two each day to find something that feels good to you and hold onto that feeling as long as you can, as you practice it, it becomes easier to sustain.
Perhaps it’s enjoying that first cup of tea or coffee in the morning, when you have a few minutes to yourself, and reveling in that time. Daydreaming about a new car you want to buy or a vacation you would like to take. Or maybe enjoying some time chatting on social media with friends, and sharing a laugh. Anything that brings you a feeling of joy is worth holding onto as long as possible.
I don’t think there’s any one magic method to finding balance, as it truly is such an individual thing, but deciding to make yourself a priority whenever possible is a real step on the road to finding your balance.