Just a few years ago my life was way out of balance. A chaotic mess to be brutally honest. I was an unhappy, successful spa owner trying to figure out how to be mommy, continue to contribute financially and find the joy I had lost. Luca was almost a year old and Sessina was almost 3, I was numb, overwhelmed and running around trying to find the path out of my “crazy busy” life. There was a large part of me just wanting to be home, a traditional housewife raising the kids. I envied my “stay at home” friends and clients. Although, they didn’t have an answer to the balance question either. The more I chased happiness, the more out of balance I became.
How the heck did I get here and where is the yellow brick road back to happiness? The way back “home” was to look inside, the answer was always there.
Some people are so out of balance they don’t even realize it! That was me… I was successful, had a family, home in the suburbs…what was wrong with me? I had everything I wanted! Why wasn’t I happy?
We have so many things we juggle: family, work, social commitments, etc. So, what does balance look like? Balance is a personal perspective. What seems like chaos to one person is a fun life for the other. You are the only one who can choose the pace for your life. What do you want?
Tip #1 – Take time for yourself.
Exercise, meditate, write, do something just for you every day to re-energize and recharge. What do you enjoy doing that gives yourself a mental vacation? At least once a month, give yourself a longer treat, a massage, energy treatments, take a bath. Make the time for yourself, stop putting yourself last. Take time for yourself now, the future may be too late.
Tip #2 – Check in objectively throughout the day.
Get out of autopilot mode, connect to yourself and allow yourself to feel. What do you notice? Being aware of your emotional energy is an important tool in staying balanced. I honor and acknowledge all my emotions, feeling good or feeling bad. I use it as guidance in helping me understand the experience I’m in. What do you notice about your body? What conversations are going on in your mind? Take a few minutes throughout the day to check in with yourself. The only control you have is how you respond to experiences.
Tip #3 – Be authentic in communicating and relating to others.
Listen without judgement or worrying about what you are going to say in response. Be who you are, not what you think others want you to be. It is so much easier to attract the friendships, relationships, partnerships and experiences into your life that are in exact alignment with who you are naturally. Difficulty in relationships show up when you resist.
Maintaining a balanced life can be challenging at times. But life would be boring if we didn’t have some experiences that challenge us. The tips above have given me a happier, healthier and more peaceful life. I hope they lead you there too.
