It is often misunderstood that “life balance” means simply juggling plates and successfully keeping them in the air. This would perhaps, be in a perfect world. But balance doesn’t mean perfection. Balance is more about level — in accounting, things must add up. In physics, what goes up, must come down. In life, we don’t live like a gazelle being chased by a cheetah all the time — we’d be in code red, high adrenaline, super stress and possibly a heart attack or stroke waiting for a place to happen.
Therefore, balance is more about a calm and stable default setting that allows us to make decisions based on personal values, be assertive and confident, have the ability to set healthy limits in life and work relationships so we can enjoy our R & R time and not carry mental homework around constantly, in a effort to work out all that does not work in our world.
Balance means that we are more likely to be intentional in the moment ~ and possibly more aware of the moments that take our breath away. As opposed to running around wondering if all the work and worry is reducing the number of breaths we have left to take.
Coaching often reveals that what people really want and mean when they are seeking a “life balance” is the calmness and security of being able to manage the things they treasure, i.e. feelings, thoughts, talents, attitudes, behavior, personal well-being, etc. so in effect, they are able to assertively confront their issues in life without a perpetual feeling of being overwhelmed.
For me, personally, it’s about owning my life and choosing who and what to allow into it. This has made what is most important in my life — my relationships — more peaceful, loving and respectful. I don’t want to stress over things I’m unable to change. I need the energy for the times when I do have stress … or, for the adventure I want to jump into with both feet!
And how is my life different today? I live, eat, write, think, work, and focus from a mindset that I choose. When I choose to be hyper or to allow the adrenaline rush to take over ~ it’s when I’m set to take the extreme.
My default setting is a calm, safe and secure knowledge that God will never put more on or in my life that I am able to manage. He will provide the time, resources, support and accountability for all He has for me. My job, is to routinely take the initiative to renew my mind with His truth and love, being strengthened by the relationships with those that support and encourage me, as well as the ones that have permission to hold me accountable to do what I say and finish what I start.
My life keeps getting better. Not because of more money or more stuff – but mostly because of more awareness around the true balance I have tapped into by learning that everyday holds challenges and successes ~ and that truly what I look for is what I will find, be it bad or good. As for me, I choose to live with the mantra, that indeed, Life is Good and I’m there, I’ve got the tee shirt to prove it!
Sheri Geyer is a Life Management Coach, Mentor, Writer, Wife & Mom
